Space Defence

Defence Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 27 May 2021 Closed: 11 Dec 2023 Parliament page
Space is fundamental to modern warfare and security. It is now recognised as a military domain in its own right, with space-based assets playing an essential role in supporting operations. The Committee will examine the Government’s approach to developing and protecting the UK’s defence space capabilities, and is particularly interested … Read more
7 Recommendations
8 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
1 Letter
4 Events
Activity timeline 11 events
13 Jan
2023
Report published
11 Jan
2023
Correspondence
19 Oct
2022
Report published
8 Mar
2022
Oral evidence
8 Mar
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
14 Dec
2021
Oral evidence
14 Dec
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Grimond Room, Portcullis House
7 Sep
2021
Oral evidence
7 Sep
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
13 Jul
2021
Oral evidence
13 Jul
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
8 Mar 2022
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Panel 1
Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Smyth · Ministry of Defence George Freeman MP · Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy James Heappey MP · Ministry of Defence Rebecca Evernden · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
14 Dec 2021
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Justin T. Johnson · Meta Aerospace Major Tim Peake CMG - British ESA Astronaut
7 Sep 2021
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Space Defence: Session 2
Anita Bernie · KISPE Space Systems Ltd Nick Shave · UKspace Nik Smith · UKspace Richard Franklin · Airbus Defence and Space Ltd
13 Jul 2021
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Panel 1
Dr Mark Hilborne · Kings College London Dr Mark Presley · MAP Analytica
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third Report - Defence Space: through adversity to the stars? HC 182 19 Oct 2022 15 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
Clear
1 Recommendation Acknowledged
Third Report - Defence Space: thro…
Recent years have seen welcome, if only partially successful, attempts to bring more coherence to...
Recent years have seen welcome, if only partially successful, attempts to bring more coherence to space activity both across Whitehall and within the Ministry of Defence. The creation of the National Space Council and the MoD’s Space Directorate were recognised … Read more
Government Response
The government states its commitment to developing the UK as a space nation, details the Cabinet Committee structure, lists ministerial responsibilities, and describes the role of the National Space Board and UK Space Command.
Ministry of Defence
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2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Third Report - Defence Space: thro…
Even before these recent developments, which seem to be a backward step, cross- Whitehall governance...
Even before these recent developments, which seem to be a backward step, cross- Whitehall governance on space lacked sufficient clarity and direction. The delays to publication of the National and Defence Space Strategies frustrated industry and other stakeholders and suggest … Read more
Government Response
The government states its commitment to developing the UK as a space nation, details the Cabinet Committee structure, lists ministerial responsibilities, and describes the role of the National Space Board and UK Space Command.
Ministry of Defence
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7 Conclusion Acknowledged
Third Report - Defence Space: thro…
The response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has underlined the importance of the international community...
The response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has underlined the importance of the international community taking a united approach in the face of irresponsible and aggressive behaviour. We welcome the UK’s leading role at the United Nations in seeking to … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the Committee’s support in continuing to take a leading role at the United Nations on responsible space behaviours. The MOD is working closely with the FCDO on this initiative and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a UK-sponsored resolution (A/RES/76/231) on 24 December 2021.
Ministry of Defence
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12 Conclusion Acknowledged
Third Report - Defence Space: thro…
The Ministry of Defence will have to carefully balance competing priorities in determining which defence...
The Ministry of Defence will have to carefully balance competing priorities in determining which defence space capabilities must be “owned” by Government and which can be provided by collaboration with Allies or through a commercial contract. Russia’s recent impounding of … Read more
Government Response
The government states that it will continue to identify the UK-based industrial capabilities the MOD requires in order to deliver and sustain military capability and conduct military operations as we choose without reliance on other nations, and to protect the sensitive technologies that underpin those capabilities. With regard to transparency of critical investment decisions impacting Defence, the BEIS Select Committee has responsibility for oversight of the NSI Act.
Ministry of Defence
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged
Third Report - Defence Space: thro…
Space acquisitions require an innovative and flexible approach to procurement, but the MoD will need...
Space acquisitions require an innovative and flexible approach to procurement, but the MoD will need to balance this against ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. This will not be an easy task, and the Department’s endemic failure to robustly … Read more
Government Response
The government is exploring ways to enable greater agility and iterative delivery of capability, and the Defence Space Portfolio will be able to take advantage of this approach. UK Space Command recently published a Capability Management Plan, which gives an indication of milestones, and the government would be pleased to provide the Committee with a Written Ministerial Statement on the progress in early 2023.
Ministry of Defence
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Government Response AI assessment · 15 of 7 classified
Accepted 8
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 5
Rejected 1
Total 7 recs + 8 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
11 Jan 2023 To committee Letter from NAO to Chair regarding HCDC inquiry on Space Defence with outbound letter
Parliament page