Speaking during a Commons exchange, SNP MP Dave Doogan raised concerns about security in the High North, citing reported US worries over Greenland’s vulnerability to Russian and Chinese activity. Doogan said he supported continued assistance to Ukraine and praised recent US maritime interdiction efforts, before asking what discussions had taken place with Joint Expeditionary Force partners about potential engagement in Greenland.
He told the House: “There are other challenges in the High North as we speak. Our allies in the United States are apparently very concerned about the vulnerability of Greenland to Russian and Chinese aggression.” He asked whether discussions had been held “about how the JEF may deploy to Greenland, to allay those US fears.”
Responding, Defence Secretary John Healey said he had been in contact with Denmark and rejected the premise that Greenland required additional security arrangements outside existing frameworks. He said: “The Prime Minister was very clear in the joint declaration that he signed yesterday in Paris that Greenland is part of Denmark.”
Healey added: “Its sovereignty is not at stake, and it is defended by being part of NATO. Its security is guaranteed by all 32 member states, and any future for Greenland is a matter for the Greenlanders and the citizens of Denmark.”