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Arctic

Volume 486: debated on Thursday 15 January 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries' claims to Arctic waters are disputed by (a) the UK and (b) other countries. (244489)

The UK does not have any claims in the Arctic.

The UK expects that the five coastal states bordering on the Arctic Ocean should act in accordance with the framework of international law, including the law of the sea. The Government note that in their declaration at Ilulissat on 27-29 May 2008 the five states have committed themselves to this framework, as well as to working through the International Maritime Organisation. We welcome this.