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Thank you, Mark, for that kind introduction. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for their exceptional work in organising what many have described as one of the best AFF events to date. This success is a testament to the thoughtfulness and diligence that has gone into the programme. On behalf of all participants, I want to express our appreciation to you and your team at AFF for this remarkable event, as well as to the crew of the Prince of Wales, who have transformed from operational deployment to a floating conference venue in such a short time. It is truly impressive.
It is also an immense honour for me, as Defence Secretary, to be aboard our flagship carrier during her deployment on Operation Firecrest.
Operation Firecrest: A NATO Initiative
Operation Firecrest represents a clear statement of NATO’s commitment in the High North. Its objectives include maintaining operational readiness, enhancing cooperation, demonstrating collective deterrence, and defending this critically important region.
I am particularly pleased to share this platform this afternoon with my esteemed colleague, Defence Minister Sandvik. When it comes to safeguarding our waters, the United Kingdom has no closer ally than Norway. Our partnership is stronger than ever, bolstered by the landmark Lunna House Agreement, and we aspire to deepen our collaboration even further.
The maritime history of Britain is not merely defined by its coastline; for centuries, the sea has played a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining our nation. Our prosperity and global influence have stemmed from our dominance over the waves. Throughout our darkest periods, the sea has been a guardian of our freedom and security.
The Maritime Sector: A Cornerstone of the Economy
This significance is not just historical; today, our vibrant maritime sector supports 1.7 million jobs and 8,000 businesses, with 95 per cent of our trade transported by sea. Essential energy supplies arrive via undersea pipelines, and our financial transactions and internet connectivity depend on underwater cables. As the First Sea Lord aptly puts it, the sea represents the very arteries of modern life.
Despite our rich maritime heritage, the sea has never been more critical to Britain’s future than it is today. We inhabit a world fraught with danger and volatility, where the most severe threats of the 20th century have resurfaced, now armed with 21st-century technologies. Our adversaries are relentless in their attempts to provoke us, employing tactics ranging from espionage and sabotage to intimidation and state-sponsored terrorism.
Geopolitical Tensions and Security Challenges
They are testing our resolve across all domains: their jets and drones encroach upon our airspace, their tanks and infantry occupy sovereign territory in Europe, and they pose threats from space. They infiltrate our infrastructure and disseminate disinformation online, while also challenging us in the waters surrounding our island nation.
For the United Kingdom, neglecting this danger would be perilous. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in European security. President Putin’s claims of not seeking war with Europe would carry more weight had he not offered similar reassurances prior to the current conflict.
Ukraine stands as the frontline in the battle for freedom and democracy worldwide. The history of our continent teaches us that when imperial ambitions go unchecked, leaders like Putin are emboldened to pursue further aggression. Therefore, we will support Ukraine for as long as it takes, backed wholeheartedly by the British government and the British people, as we stand firm with the principles of freedom and democracy.
Commitment to Defence and Security
Regardless of the political fluctuations within Britain over the past decade, I take immense pride in being here as a Labour Defence Secretary, affirming our commitment to defence with the same resolve you would expect from any previous Conservative minister. The threat posed by Russia, however, is not confined to the far side of our continent.
For those in Ukraine, the harsh reality of the Russian threat is a daily struggle. In nations like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, the proximity of that threat is acutely felt at their borders. Yet the UK shares an open sea border with Russia in the High North, placing these waters at the forefront of our national security.
The security of the High North is, in essence, homeland security. Russia is particularly active in this region, and while he wages war in Eastern Europe, Putin is simultaneously reinforcing Russia’s presence in the High North—establishing military bases, implementing navigation restrictions, and bolstering the Northern Fleet. This area is strategically significant, serving as a conduit from Europe to North America and a gateway to Britain’s own maritime domain.
Strengthening Naval Capabilities
Consequently, undeterred by the escalating threat, the UK is responding proactively. The High North is now one of the Royal Navy’s busiest operational theatres, with over 50 ship visits recorded in 2025, a presence that will continue well into 2026. We have doubled our troop presence in Norway to 2,000, and the Royal Marines are increasingly engaged in exercises to refine their cold-weather combat skills. Earlier this year, 1,500 Commandos participated in Exercise Cold Response.
Through both the Joint Expeditionary Force and NATO, British forces have been actively involved in operations and exercises alongside our allies to enhance our readiness. We are in the process of procuring eight Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates to complement five Norwegian counterparts, while we remain vigilant regarding the rising presence of Russian aircraft and naval vessels in our maritime area of responsibility, which has surged by 41% this year.
Innovative Responses to Modern Threats
We are rising to meet these challenges head-on. Recently, we uncovered a covert GUGI submarine operation aimed at mapping undersea cables in the High North and North Atlantic. Our F-35B fighters successfully intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft that approached our Carrier Strike Group. Additionally, we have sanctioned over 500 vessels linked to the shadow fleet, and our interception of the Smyrtos in the English Channel has been so disruptive that these vessels are now forced to seek alternative routes—leading to longer journeys and increased costs, thereby straining Putin’s war funding.
This week marked the launch of the Royal Navy’s inaugural autonomous squadron, equipping our naval personnel with the modern tools necessary to address evolving threats. This initiative is supported by the most significant increase in defence spending in the UK since the Cold War, with further commitments promised.
Future Defence Investments
We are determined to fulfil our NATO commitment of spending 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035, with an interim target of 3% by 2030. For the first time since its inception, we are revitalising the entire nuclear enterprise, alongside expanding our naval fleet with new frigates, combat vessels, amphibious transport ships, Astute-class submarines, Dreadnought-class submarines, and next-generation SSNs.
However, it is important to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Rebuilding armed forces that have been eroded over time cannot happen overnight. The conflict in Ukraine illustrates how swiftly the nature of warfare is evolving, particularly within the maritime domain. Military power is no longer simply a matter of possessing the largest and most expensive equipment; it hinges on the ability to innovate quickly, produce at scale, and transform relatively inexpensive technology into impactful military capabilities.
Transforming Naval Strategy for the Future
This underscores the necessity of not only rebuilding but also continuously pushing the boundaries of defence innovation and mobilising industry to meet the demands of a more perilous world. To this end, we are embarking on one of the most comprehensive reforms in naval history: the transition to a Hybrid Navy. Under the guidance of the First Sea Lord, we are integrating the strengths of world-class warships and submarines with autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and emerging technologies.
This transformation is enhancing our fleet’s capability, adaptability, resilience, and lethality, creating a modern Navy adept at addressing contemporary threats. While it has become somewhat of a national pastime to downplay the capabilities of our country and its armed forces, the United Kingdom still boasts one of the most formidable navies globally.
The Importance of Preparedness and Alliances
Deterring Russian aggression requires more than just an expanded fleet and additional submarines. We are confronting increasingly complex threats, and our response must be commensurate. Fortifying our armed forces is essential to ensuring we are combat-ready by 2030—not because war is inevitable, but because by being prepared to fight and win, we can reduce the likelihood of conflict.
Investing in defence serves as an insurance policy unlike any other. Just as home insurance does not prevent a fire, investing in our military not only provides peace of mind but also diminishes the chances of conflict occurring.
Moreover, we must strengthen our alliances. As Winston Churchill famously remarked, “There is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them.” No nation secured the Atlantic alone during the 1940s, and no nation can stand isolated today. The security of the United Kingdom is intrinsically linked to that of our northern neighbours, who share our values and interests. Through multilateral alliances and bilateral relationships, we are fortifying a more integrated defence strategy