Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Defence Space Strategy

Monday 21 February 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department has committed an additional 1.5 billion to space capabilities beyond the already allocated 5 billion for satellite communications.
  • The defence space strategy focuses on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, satellite communications, and space domain awareness.
  • The Ministry of Defence is investing in significant space R&D, including the ISR programme and innovation spending, to boost the economy and create jobs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Metcalfe Con
Defence
Context

N/A

Question

What assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the defence space strategy.

Answer from Jeremy Quin

Over and above the £5 billion already committed to satellite communications, we are investing an additional £1.5 billion in space capabilities. The defence space strategy sets out our focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, satellite communications, space domain awareness and space commander control. This clear strategic direction has been welcomed by industry and allies alike.

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Q2 Stephen Metcalfe Con
Defence Economy Science & Technology
Context

Space is seen as an opportunity to drive innovation, create well-paid jobs, boost the economy, and ensure national defence.

Question

Space, in all its guises, presents us with an unparalleled opportunity to drive British science and technical innovation, create well-paid and rewarding jobs, boost our economy, and above all defend ourselves. Can my hon. Friend expand on what he has said, and tell the House what the MOD is doing to ensure that we deliver all those opportunities?

Answer from Jeremy Quin

My hon. Friend is correct in every respect. That additional £1.5 billion of investment implies very significant space R&D and the jobs, skills and expertise that go with it. It includes investment in things such as ISTARI, our ISR programme, It also includes innovation spending, as part of the £1.5 billion package, and programmes such as Minerva. Through that investment, we are not only ensuring that we meet the threats of the future, but helping to build capability, expertise, skills and jobs that will serve defence and the wider civil space programme.

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