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Britain must expand its military presence in the Arctic to ward off Russian expansion in the region, MPs have warned.

The Commons Defence Committee says President Vladimir Putin is building up a heavy military presence along the Arctic coastline.

It comes amid the Arctic ice sheet retreating, due to global warming, revealing natural resources like oil and minerals.

The melt has also made the region more accessible to ships, sparking a rush to dominate the Arctic militarily and exploit its vast resources.

But a new report by the Commons Defence Committee warns the UK is far behind in the race.

It comes amid calls – even by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson – to reverse of years military cuts.

(Image: Daily Record)

The Tories have repeatedly slashed funds to the main service trained in Arctic warfare, the Royal Marines.

The report, called On Thin Ice, said: “The Sub-Committee notes an increase in military activity in the Arctic and High North.... led by Russia.”

It said this includes “manned bases along Russia’s Arctic coastline”, and “heavily armed, Arctic-trained land forces”.

Russia has brought back “strategic bomber flights over Northern airspace”,and installed “long-range missile and air-defence systems”.

The report also noted a “marked increase in naval activity”.

It concluded: “This goes beyond a defensive posture and should be a matter of concern given Russia’s aggressive behaviour.”