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Space Weather
02 July 2025
Lead MP
Neil Shastri-Hurst
Solihull West and Shirley
Con
Responding Minister
Chris Bryant
Tags
ImmigrationEconomy
Word Count: 3714
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Neil Shastri-Hurst raised concerns about space weather in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.