Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Space Sector Scotland 2024-10-30

2024-10-30

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jamie Stone Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
▸ Context
The question arises from discussions around the growth of the space industry in Scotland.
What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the space sector in Scotland?
Ian Murray
I was delighted to speak at the Space-Comm expo last month in Glasgow, where I met a wide range of industry members, both national and international, and recently I visited the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland. I have also met representatives of Orbex in the hon. Gentleman's constituency.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer did not specify any recent Cabinet discussions on support for the Scottish space sector.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Jamie Stone Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
▸ Context
Orbex is an important company within the space sector that employs around 125 people now but could reach up to 500 by 2030.
Is he willing to visit Orbex in Elgin and indeed the Sutherland space launch site?
Ian Murray
Elgin is certainly not the final frontier, so I would be very happy to visit. The Minister for Science recently visited the UK Space Agency's new office in Edinburgh, and during that visit, he echoed my sentiments about the importance of Scotland's space sector.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to a specific visit to Orbex or Sutherland space launch site.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Christine Jardine Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
▸ Context
The Scottish Affairs Committee visited California to learn about how the state encourages new space projects.
What will the Government do to encourage the creation of an environment that fosters new space projects in Scotland, and will the University of Edinburgh be central to this effort?
Ian Murray
Scotland will be central to the space sector. We will fully back the space sector and have met Orbex and been to Unst in Shetland to visit the spaceport up there. We will fully back this; of course, its potential reaches to infinity and beyond.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific plans or commitments to encourage new projects in Scotland.
Response accuracy