Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 21 Jan 2025 Closed: 1 Dec 2025 Parliament page
In June 2023, the previous Scottish Affairs Committee began an inquiry into Scotland’s space sector. That broad inquiry examined the space sector’s contribution to Scotland’s economy, and how the UK Government could support the industry to become a world leader. You can read the call for evidence for that inquiry … Read more
20 Recommendations
4 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
2 Letters
2 Events
Activity timeline 8 events
1 Dec
2025
Report published
10 Sep
2025
Report published
3 Sep
2025
Correspondence
23 Apr
2025
Oral evidence
23 Apr
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
2 Apr
2025
Correspondence
5 Feb
2025
Oral evidence
5 Feb
2025
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
23 Apr 2025
View on parliament.uk
Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch - Session 2
Chris White-Horne · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Colin Macleod · Civil Aviation Authority Dr Christie Maddock · University of Strathclyde Dr Pamela Smith · AAC Clyde Space Matthew Archer · UK Space Agency Professor Malcolm Macdonald · University of Strathclyde Professor Patrick Harkness · University of Glasgow Rosie Whitbread · UK Civil Aviation Authority Sir Chris Bryant MP · Department for Culture, Media and Sport
5 Feb 2025
View on parliament.uk
Scottish Affairs Committee - Public Meeting
Alan Thompson · Skyrora Limited Jörn Spurmann · Rocket Factory Augsburg Nik Smith · UKspace Phil Chambers · Orbex Ruari Brooker · HyImpulse Scott Hammond · SaxaVord Spaceport
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch HC 671 10 Sep 2025 24 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
1 result
Clear
11 Recommendation Accepted in Part
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sect…
Integrate defence priorities into the launch sector by supporting Scottish SMEs in defence projects.
The Ministry of Defence must work with the UK Space Agency and Scottish stakeholders to integrate defence priorities into the launch sector. This should include supporting Scottish SMEs in defence-related projects, creating a pipeline of innovation and capability that aligns … Read more
Government Response
The Ministry of Defence states it is working with DSIT on a 'one-government' approach to space capabilities and supporting UK launch ambitions. It notes procurement rules limit the prioritisation of Scottish providers for defence-related projects and points to its participation in the NATO STARLIFT Programme for promoting UK capabilities and commercial opportunities.
Scotland Office
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 24 of 20 classified
Accepted 6
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 6
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 7
Total 20 recs + 4 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
3 Sep 2025 To committee Letter from Minister of State, Sir Chris Bryant, regarding UKSA and DSIT, dated 01 September 2025
Parliament page
2 Apr 2025 To committee Letter from Scottish Government regarding Scotland’s space sector follow up: launch, dated 27 March 202
Parliament page