Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Space Sector: Scotland

Wednesday 30 October 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister spoke at Space-Comm expo in Glasgow and visited SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland
  • Minister expressed willingness to visit Orbex in Elgin and the Sutherland space launch site
  • Government will back the space sector in Scotland, including meeting Orbex and visiting the Shetland spaceport

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Scotland Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from discussions around the growth of the space industry in Scotland.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the space sector in Scotland?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not specify any recent Cabinet discussions on support for the Scottish space sector.

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Q2 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Science & Technology
Context

Orbex is an important company within the space sector that employs around 125 people now but could reach up to 500 by 2030.

Question

Is he willing to visit Orbex in Elgin and indeed the Sutherland space launch site?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to a specific visit to Orbex or Sutherland space launch site.

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Q3 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Scotland Science & Technology
Context

The Scottish Affairs Committee visited California to learn about how the state encourages new space projects.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific plans or commitments to encourage new projects in Scotland.

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