At the end of March, the United Kingdom presented its new strategy for the Arctic region "High North".
It includes Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland.
- We can contribute with surveillance aircraft, AWACS and Poseidon for example, because we want more control, says Ambassador Judith Gough.
When the UK presented its new strategy, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace spoke to Reuters.
He then said that Britain also wants to place a naval battle group that can rotate between Norway, Sweden, Finland and other places in the region.
The British Navy's combat forces can consist of everything from naval soldiers to a so-called aircraft carrier group with combat aircraft on board.
- The northern regions are very important strategically.
We want to keep this region, characterized by low tension and close cooperation, says Ambassador Gough.
Wallace talks about permanent strike forces (Marine strike group) how can this be done?
- We shall see.
What I can say is that we should increase our presence in this region together with our partners.
How big strengths are we talking about?
- We do not know yet.
We must discuss this with our partners Norway and Sweden, for example.
And we have to make the decision together, says Judith Gough.
P8 Poseidon sea surveillance and submarine fighter aircraft are refueled to expand the possibilities for operation.
Photo: US Air Force May 10, 2021
"Depends on scenario"
The British Minister of Defense Ben Wallace, former military, also made a notable statement about Sweden in early March.
“Sweden is part of the same family, so we would help Sweden.
We would do everything we can, both militarily and in other ways, "he said in connection with a meeting of defense ministers in Copenhagen.
Ambassador Judith Gough clarifies the statement in the interview with SVT.
- It was clear what he said that we are part of the same family.
It is incomprehensible that we would not support or help Sweden in crisis.
Oh, that applies both in peace and in war?
- It depends on the scenario.
But when Sweden should ask for help, we are prepared to give help to Sweden as one of our closest partners.
With military forces in Sweden?
- It depends on Sweden.
So from your side, the message is clear?
- Yes, it's clear.
But it depends on the scenario and what Sweden wants.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace is visiting an air base in NATO member Romania.
Photo: AFP / TT 8 April 2022
Served in Ukraine
Judith Gough was Britain's ambassador to Ukraine from 2015 to 2019. This means that she took up that post shortly after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.
Hear what she says about Russia's war in Ukraine.
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The British Ambassador to Sweden, Judith Gough.
Photo: David Winnerstam / SVT