Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
Britain is set to double the number of its troops in Norway to bolster defences in the High North against Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
The commitment will see the number of UK forces in the country rise from 1,000 to 2,000 over the next three years.
Defence Secretary John Healey, speaking during a visit to Royal Marines at Camp Viking in the Norwegian Arctic, also pledged UK participation in Nato’s Arctic Sentry mission.
This alliance initiative seeks to improve regional security and address concerns raised by Donald Trump regarding Greenland.
The announcement comes as General Sir Nick Carter, a former head of the armed forces, urged greater European co-operation to deter Russia and support Ukraine.
The Defence Secretary also confirmed that UK Armed Forces will play their part in Nato’s Arctic Sentry mission.
Mr Healey will join Nato counterparts to discuss the proposals at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels on Thursday.
The Defence Secretary also confirmed that UK Armed Forces will play their part in Nato’s Arctic Sentry mission (PA)
The Defence Secretary said: “Demands on defence are rising, and Russia poses the greatest threat to Arctic and High North security that we have seen since the Cold War.
“We see Putin rapidly re-establishing military presence in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases.
“The UK is stepping up to protect the Arctic and High North – doubling the number of troops we have in Norway and scaling up joint exercises with Nato allies.”
Some 1,500 commandos will be deployed to Norway in March for Nato’s Exercise Cold Response.
In September, the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force will be carrying out major military exercises in the region – with air, land and naval forces training to protect critical infrastructure from attacks and sabotage.
The risk of Russian sabotage activity was highlighted by Sir Nick in a paper for the Tony Blair Institute.
He said: “We’re all aware that Russia and the GRU at the tip of the spear – that’s Russia’s intelligence services – are waging a campaign of sabotage and subversion in Europe, including incursions into our Nato airspace.
“Now we’ve got to be able to impose credible costs on this campaign, because otherwise it will continue.”
The paper called for wholesale improvements in European military power and urged continued support for Ukraine.
Sir Nick said: “Europe faces a growing external threat in an evolving world order at the same time as its political, fiscal and industrial systems are struggling to respond. After decades of under-investment in defence, this is no longer merely inefficient – it is dangerous. The path ahead for Europe’s leaders will not be easy; they cannot afford to fail. Drift is no longer a neutral option.
“Europe’s influence will depend on its ability to take rapid collective action. A Europe that can do so – and take responsibility for its own defence and security – will remain a shaper of the international order. A Europe that cannot, will be shaped by others.”
