Gillian Keegan trained with Royal Marines in Arctic

Last week, Gillian was 200 miles into the Arctic Circle with a team of Royal Marine Commandos, engaged in extreme cold weather training.

The trip was part of her training on the parliamentary armed forces scheme which offers MPs a chance to better understand military life and the role our armed forces play.

Over the course of the week, Gillian was put through her paces, taking part in a whole range of training exercises including deep-snow trekking with heavy bergens (back-packs).

As well as learning techniques used by the Royal Marine Commandos use to board fast-moving enemy vessels on the icy waters of the Norwegian Fjords.

The group of MPs also spent a night sleeping out in minus 15˚C, sharing a tent with twelve others.

On her return, Gillian said: “We only experienced the tip of the iceberg, the marines do some serious training by land, sea and air.

"I have to say, I am glad we didn’t have to ski across the mountains whilst carrying weapons and 70lb bergens whilst surviving on ration packs.

"This training ensures our Armed Forces are amongst the best in the world and I certainly saw first hand how dedicated and committed they are to serving our country.”

Extreme cold weather training was reintroduced several years ago in response to the changing threats the UK faces with increased provocation from Russia.

This training, held in Norway, gives marines that chance to train in temperatures that can drop down to minus 30˚C with a significant wind chill factor on top.

Currently, there are 1250 Royal Marines undertaking this training in Norway, with plans to increase this number to 2,800 personnel over the next eight years.

Every member of the Royal Marines, including support staff, have to undergo a minimum of one week cold weather survival training, which involves sleeping out in a tent for a minimum of three nights.