House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Space Weather

02 July 2025 · 1 other contributor · 3,714 words

Opened by Neil Shastri-Hurst Con Solihull West and Shirley

Responding minister: Chris Bryant

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Neil Shastri-Hurst raised concerns about space weather in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

The threat of space weather is highlighted by historical events like the Carrington event and a 2012 near-miss storm, which could cost over $2.6 trillion globally if it occurred.
Modern Britain's digital infrastructure makes it highly vulnerable to severe space weather, potentially leading to prolonged power outages and disruptions in essential services.
The government is urged to publish a delivery plan with clear targets and funding for the 2021 strategy, establish statutory requirements for critical infrastructure operators, and equip the armed forces for space weather conditions.

Key requests to Government

The Government to publish a delivery plan with clear targets and funding for the 2021 strategy, bring forward statutory requirements for critical infrastructure operators to mitigate risk, and ensure that the armed forces are equipped and trained to operate in space weather blackout conditions.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Neil Shastri-Hurst Con Solihull West and Shirley

The threat posed by space weather, based on historical events such as the Carrington event in 1859 and a near-miss storm in 2012 estimated to cost over $2.6 trillion globally if it had hit Earth. Modern Britain’s reliance on digital infrastructure makes it vulnerable; severe storms could leave parts of the UK without electricity for days or weeks, disrupting essential services like supermarkets, mobile networks, hospitals, and water supply.

Other contributors (1)

Lizzi Collinge Lab Morecambe and Lunesdale

Supported the need for investment in the Met Office's space weather operations centre, promoting research on how the UK would cope with a Carrington-level event, and emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about space weather.

Government Response

Chris Bryant

The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms

Emphasised the significance of addressing space weather risks in collaboration with international allies, highlighted the potential severe impacts of a Carrington-level event on satellites, power grids, and daily life, and noted the UK's leadership in forecasting space weather through initiatives like the Met Office’s £20 million research programme. Responded to six questions posed by the hon. Member regarding space weather preparedness and defence operations, confirming a joint operation between civil and military sides, highlighting UK companies developing debris removal technologies, mentioning ongoing work on a full space strategy, and emphasizing whole Government collaboration.