Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Space Sector: Government Support

04 September 2024 · 4 other contributors · 4,346 words

Opened by Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

Responding minister: Chris Bryant

ScotlandScience & TechnologyBusiness & Trade

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about space sector: government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The UK space sector has grown rapidly, with SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland set to be a significant player.
  • SaxaVord spaceport secured 10 million in convertible loan funding from the Government and requires further support for infrastructure completion.
  • The Minister reaffirms the Government's commitment to supporting SaxaVord spaceport as it prepares for its first vertical launch in Europe.

Key requests to Government

The Minister should reaffirm the Government's commitment to supporting SaxaVord spaceport as it moves towards its first vertical launch in Europe. The UK must capitalise on its advantageous position by improving the national space strategy and fostering better cooperation between the UK and Scottish Governments.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

The UK space sector has grown rapidly since its inception, with SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland set to be a significant player. However, there is competition between different parts of the sector, which could impact future success. The spaceport secured £10 million in convertible loan funding from the Government and needs further support to complete infrastructure for potential launches. There have been successful engine tests at SaxaVord but recent issues with Rocket Factory Augsburg highlight the need for robust procedures.

Other contributors (4)
  • Graham Leadbitter SNP Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey

    He highlights his constituency's connections with space companies such as SaxaVord and Orbex, and stresses the importance of easily accessible and repayable state support to underpin private investment for commercial viability.

  • Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

    There is room for more than one space launch site in the UK. The economic benefits to Sutherland from a space launch are also social benefits for young people and future jobs in a fragile region.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    He congratulates the right hon. Member for introducing the debate and supports the need for additional funding for all devolved nations to contribute towards a potential national STEP programme.

  • Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest

    The Government's space strategy needs more detail so that businesses can engage with it effectively. The current strategy is insufficient as a manifesto without practical details for implementation.

Government Response

Chris Bryant

It is a great delight to see you in your seat, Mr Dowd. The Government are very keen to work with the Scottish Government, local authorities, and commercial players in the field to make sure that we gain all the possible benefits from space for the UK economy and society. I want to engage as fast as I can with companies involved in launching something into space or using data from space, including Airbus. Space is a strategic priority for this Government, and we are determined to take advantage of our unique opportunities compared to Europe. We have spent time ensuring there are skills available to work in the industry, even if not on people's doorstep. The aim is to create an environment where people can invest securely knowing the strategy will not change every six months. The MOD has invested £6.5 billion over a decade for satellite communications and defence space portfolio. The UK Space Agency has funded £19.6 million since 2022 in this skills field. Over the past six years, the Government have invested approximately £91 million in launch capabilities, including the £10 million loan to SaxaVord. I am keen on having conversations with counterparts in Scotland and visiting both Grantown-on-Spey and Shetland at the earliest opportunity.

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