COPENHAGEN: UK Parliament’s Defence Committee Chair Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP has highlighted the growing importance of cooperation with Denmark on European and Arctic security during a visit to Copenhagen as part of the committee’s inquiry into defence in the High North.
In a post on September 21, Dhesi said Denmark is a “close ally” and that it was valuable for the UK delegation to learn from members of the Danish Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee and other prominent figures about the country’s significant increase in defence spending.
Dhesi said the discussions also focused on the need for greater cooperation to contribute to the security of Europe. His comments came as European countries continue to reassess defence requirements amid changing security conditions across the continent and the wider High North.
The UK Parliament confirms that Dhesi has served as Chair of the Defence Committee since September 2024. The committee has been conducting an inquiry into defence in the High North, examining the strategic security environment and the requirements facing the UK and its allies in the region.
Denmark’s role is particularly significant because of its relationship with Greenland and its position in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The Danish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee is responsible for scrutiny of Denmark’s foreign policy, defence policy and national preparedness, while also monitoring international security developments.
The timing of Dhesi’s visit also comes amid heightened attention to Arctic security. NATO officials meeting in Copenhagen in September emphasized the importance of strengthening deterrence and defence, protecting critical infrastructure and improving cooperation among allies across the Baltic, North Atlantic and High North.
Recent developments involving Greenland have further underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic. Denmark, Greenland and the United States have been working on a security agreement concerning Greenland, with Denmark saying NATO should have a greater role in Arctic security. Reuters reported that the proposed arrangement could facilitate an expanded US military presence at additional sites in Greenland while maintaining Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty.
Dhesi’s visit therefore forms part of a broader parliamentary examination of how the UK and its European allies can respond to emerging security challenges in the High North. His engagement with Danish lawmakers and other officials provides an opportunity to compare approaches to defence investment, regional cooperation and preparedness.
For the UK, Denmark is an important partner in the North Atlantic and Arctic security environment. Discussions between the two countries’ parliamentary representatives also underline the growing emphasis on cooperation among European allies as defence spending and strategic priorities evolve.
Dhesi’s message from Copenhagen was clear: understanding the defence policies and investments of close allies such as Denmark is an important part of assessing how the UK and its partners can work together to strengthen security across Europe and the High North.
Source: Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP; UK Parliament; Danish Parliament; NATO; Reuters