Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Space Industry

11 June 2025 · 12 other contributors · 13,040 words

Opened by Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest

Responding minister: Sarah Jones

EconomyScience & TechnologyBusiness & Trade

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Mark Garnier raised concerns about space industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The UK space economy is valued at 19 billion and supports about 52,000 jobs through nearly 2,000 businesses.
  • The government acknowledged the importance of finance and regulatory frameworks for growth in the space industry.
  • The minister highlighted the government's commitment to supporting the space industry through investment and international partnerships.

Key requests to Government

The UK should define its ambitions for the space sector and continue supporting private companies like Orbex with £20 million this year, developing low Earth orbit launches from SaxaVord in Shetlands. Continued support for European Space Agency membership and its launcher challenge programme is crucial to seize opportunities in European launch services.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest

The global space industry is expected to grow from $630 billion in 2023 to between $1.2 trillion and $2.2 trillion by 2035, driven by a 90% drop in launch costs over the last two decades and commercial innovation in components and software. The UK's space economy is valued at £19 billion and supports about 52,000 jobs through nearly 2,000 businesses, but there has been a perceived reduction in ambition from previous Government plans to secure 10% of the global space economy by 2035.

Other contributors (12)
  • Andrew George LD St Ives

    The hon. Member highlighted Goonhilly Earth Station in his constituency, noting its role in deep space research, commercial communication services, and supporting missions around Mars. He also emphasised the need for international cooperation and government support to foster contracts with foreign entities. Discussed Goonhilly's importance to the country. Asked about conversations between the UK Government and NASA regarding trade with the US.

  • Carla Lockhart DUP Upper Bann

    Emphasises the need for Northern Ireland to have a seat at the table for future UK policies on aerospace and space industry, given its strong manufacturing base.

  • Chris McDonald Lab Stockton North

    The north-east of England, particularly at NETPark, houses three catapults and several companies that contribute significantly to the space industry. The sector currently contributes £130 million to the local economy with 1,300 employees in about 48 businesses. Discussed the Boulby mine cluster and importance of avoiding valley of death.

  • Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire

    The hon. Member for Mid Buckinghamshire praised the space industry's importance and highlighted the need for certainty in R&D investment and long-term procurement planning to support SMEs. Praised Chris McDonald's points regarding avoiding valley of death scenario.

  • Helen Maguire LD Epsom and Ewell

    The hon. Member questioned whether long-term funding is vital for securing economic resilience and defence sovereignty, agreeing that UK firms need international cooperation following Brexit.

  • Jayne Kirkham Lab/Co-op Truro and Falmouth

    The MP stressed the importance of Cornwall's space sector due to its unique geography offering advantages for innovation and economic opportunity across local communities. Talked about Spaceport Cornwall and skills development.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Presents Northern Ireland's perspective on the space industry, highlighting its importance with 8,000 jobs and a rich history in aerospace engineering. Emphasised the importance of defence and aerospace industry in Northern Ireland.

  • Mark Garnier Con Wyre Forest

    Secured the debate and spoke about the economic benefits of satellite technology.

  • Sarah Jones Con Harpenden and Berkhamsted

    Discussed the importance of international partnerships and support for companies in getting contracts, mentioning an 11% uplift to the UK Space Agency’s budget.

  • Sarah Russell Lab Congleton

    The MP highlighted Jodrell Bank's significance within her constituency, emphasizing its role as an employer and a visitor attraction. She noted the site's contribution to scientific research and education, welcoming over 180,000 visitors annually, including 200 school pupils daily during term time. Talked about Jodrell Bank, Lovell telescope, and STEM education importance.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Islwyn

    Discussed the manufacturing and engineering sector's role in space technology, highlighting companies such as Surrey Satellite Technology and Magdrive. Mentioned sustainability-focused companies like Astroscale and ClearSpace, and their involvement with UK sovereign missions to clean up space debris. Suggested the City of London could adopt innovative financial measures to attract investment in the space industry, similar to successful film industry tax breaks. Discussed the strategic defence review's recognition of space technology's importance for national security and economic interests.

  • Victoria Collins LD Harpenden and Berkhamsted

    Emphasised the importance of space technology to Britain's economy, highlighting that 18% of Britain’s economy depends on space-related technologies.

Government Response

Sarah Jones

The Minister for Industry

Acknowledged the economic benefits and productivity of the UK space industry, mentioned upcoming industrial strategy focusing on advanced manufacturing, discussed the importance of finance and regulatory frameworks for growth, and highlighted future initiatives like launching British satellites from Scotland. Emphasised the government's commitment to supporting the space industry through investment and international partnerships, highlighting recent funding rounds and agreements with companies like BAE Systems. Mentioned plans to release a trade strategy in coming weeks focusing on export opportunities. The Minister spoke about the importance of the UK's industrial strategy in supporting key sectors like space finance. He highlighted the significance of the global space finance summit at the end of the year and stressed that various important economic sectors need to engage with space technology for continued relevance and growth. The minister invited contributions from speakers who expressed interest in participating.

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