Key Points
- Bolton MP Phil Brickell visits Marines Norway
- Camp Viking trip gains first-hand armed forces insight
- Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme embeds with troops
- Understands Russian threat in Arctic region closely
- Supports NATO collective security from northern flank
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 27, 2026 - Phil Brickell, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bolton West, has travelled to northern Norway to join UK Royal Marines at Camp Viking, securing a first-hand understanding of their demanding work in the Arctic environment. This visit, conducted under the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (AFPS), underscores his commitment to defence matters amid escalating geopolitical tensions in 2026.
Who is Phil Brickell and Why Norway?
Phil Brickell, elected as MP for Bolton West in 2024, represents areas including Blackrod, Horwich, Westhoughton, and western Bolton outskirts like Chew Moor, Heaton, Lostock, Hulton, and Smithills. Born in Bolton, he attended Bolton School with partial funding, earned a law degree from Durham University including a year in Hannover, fostering his interest in European affairs. He serves as Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Germany and sits on the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.
Norway holds strategic importance for UK forces, hosting Royal Marines training for over 50 years in extreme cold. Camp Viking, in Øverbygd near Tromsø, serves as the UK Commando Force's Arctic hub since 2023, enabling rapid response to High North threats. The AFPS educates parliamentarians on military life, with 45 MPs and peers participating annually across Royal Navy, Army, and RAF courses.
As explained by Lord Stirrup in Politics Home, "The scheme operates by virtue of sponsorship from the defence industry and under a memorandum of understanding with the MoD... Plans are being drawn up for overseas visits to Norway."
It begins with a two-day Introduction to Defence at Shrivenham, followed by unit visits and overseas trips like Norway.
Brickell's participation follows this model, embedding him with Marines to witness operations.
Similar visits by other MPs, such as Peter Kyle's in 2022, involved mobility training and fjord assaults, with Kyle stating, "Committing time to these kinds of visits is a huge privilege but also teaches me so incredibly much about how our military actually works."
What Happens at Camp Viking?
Camp Viking, 40 miles south of Tromsø beside a Norwegian base and near Bardufoss airbase, hosts hundreds of Royal Marines for Arctic training.
Over 4,000 UK troops rotate through Norway yearly, with 1,500 deploying for exercises like Cold Response.
Brickell's visit aligns with 2026 activities, including post-Cold Response training at Camp Viking.
In a January 19, 2026, Commons debate on Arctic Security, Phil Brickell, as a NATO Parliamentary Assembly member, queried the Foreign Secretary on Russian interference: "In the context of NATO and Arctic security, does the Foreign Secretary agree it is vital that we get to the bottom of the role that Russian money plays in trying to subvert our public discourse on these hugely important issues?"
This reflects broader UK-Norway ties. Foreign Secretary David Lammy's 2024 visit to Norwegian Joint Headquarters with Espen Barth Eide reaffirmed Ukraine support and Russia’s shadow fleet sanctions.
Lammy said, "We will discuss the UK and Norway’s joint work in the High North to detect, deter and contain threats and defend NATO’s northern flank."
In 2026, agreements bolster Arctic capabilities, with UK sending all-terrain vehicles and Commando Helicopter Force.
Brickell's trip emphasises NATO's northern flank defence amid Russia-Ukraine escalations. As he posted on Facebook, it focuses on "visiting our troops, understanding the Russian threat."
Why Did Phil Brickell Choose This Visit?
Brickell's defence focus stems from Bolton's heritage and global instability.
His AFPS involvement builds cross-party understanding, as Lord Stirrup noted: "Something like 200 parliamentarians will go through the scheme in any one Parliament which translates to a massive increase in understanding of defence across both Houses."
Local Bolton ties include support for veterans and Bolton Wanderers.
His register of interests lists "Bolton Wanderers in the Community - £394.00."
As a financial crime expert, he links to foreign interference concerns raised in Parliament.
The visit counters perceptions of MPs distant from troops.
Peter Kyle reflected, "The people and their abilities that makes our armed forces one of the very best anywhere in the world."
Brickell, with NHS family roots, commits to funding services while prioritising security.
What Training Did He Observe?
Though specifics from Brickell's visit are via social media, standard Camp Viking activities include cold weather warfare, a Royal Marines rite of passage.
Joint exercises like Joint Viking 25 involve US Marines too: Maj. Gen. Odom said, “We are incredibly thankful to our Norwegian teammates... being around these young men and women who are forward-deployed.”
Brickell likely saw skiing, assaults, and deterrence drills against Russian threats. Brickell's experience informs debates like the Rycroft review of foreign interference.
He welcomed it: "I welcome the Rycroft review of foreign interference in our politics."
This ties to NATO's Arctic focus, with UK committing to High North amid President Trump's 2025 reelection influencing alliances. Norway's role as host for 50+ years ensures readiness.
As per Zona Militar, "The United Kingdom and Norway have entered a new phase of military cooperation aimed at strengthening the defense of NATO’s northern flank."
Brickell's firsthand view strengthens parliamentary advocacy for funding.
How Does This Affect Bolton West Constituents?
Bolton West benefits from Brickell's insights into jobs, security. His financial background aids anti-corruption in defence procurement. Constituents gain an MP versed in Arctic ops, vital for northern England defence industries.
Veterans' support is key; Brickell opposes prosecutions for orders followed. His visit promotes mental health via outdoor access, mirroring his right-to-roam push. UK-Norway defence dates to WWII, now pivotal post-Ukraine invasion.
Foreign Secretary visits reinforce: "They will reinforce both countries’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine and tackling threats from Russia."
In 2026, amid global shifts, such MP embeds ensure informed policy. Brickell's NATO role amplifies this. Extreme cold, isolation, Russian proximity. Training counters hybrid threats.
BFBS noted, "As the war between Russia and Ukraine escalates, a strong NATO presence in the region is crucial."
Brickell's post highlights "the work they do," acknowledging rigours.
Reactions and Future Plans
No formal reactions yet, but Brickell's social media drew engagement. He may speak in Commons soon, per AFPS graduates' pattern.
Future AFPS trips to Estonia, Cyprus continue. Brickell's Germany APPG ties enhance European security.
This visit exemplifies MPs bridging civilian-military gaps in 2026's tense world. Phil Brickell stated on Facebook, "visiting our troops." It bolsters UK's Arctic commitment.