Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
7
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Accepted
There is enough custom for space launch services—both within Europe and globally—to sustain multiple spaceports across the UK and Europe. We therefore do not consider UK spaceports and Andøya to be existential threats to one another, but rather as facilities that can complement each other within a growing European launch …
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There is enough custom for space launch services—both within Europe and globally—to sustain multiple spaceports across the UK and Europe. We therefore do not consider UK spaceports and Andøya to be existential threats to one another, but rather as facilities that can complement each other within a growing European launch sector. We encourage the UK Government to support a diverse spaceport network, whilst also fostering international cooperation to ensure sites like SaxaVord can thrive through regular and consistent launches. (Conclusion, Paragraph 50) National security and geopolitical advantages
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is continuing to develop international engagement, including active participation in ESA and NATO STARLIFT programmes, to ensure resilient access to space. It outlines ongoing bilateral and multilateral engagements with various nations to promote collaboration and strengthen the UK space sector.
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Scotland Office
9
Conclusion
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Accepted
The current geopolitical climate demonstrates the importance of supporting and securing sovereign space capacity—particularly through responsive and defence ready infrastructure—if not, its ability to protect national and European security interests could be severely compromised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
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The current geopolitical climate demonstrates the importance of supporting and securing sovereign space capacity—particularly through responsive and defence ready infrastructure—if not, its ability to protect national and European security interests could be severely compromised. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the importance of domestic launch capability for national security and resilience, highlighting significant past and ongoing investments in Scottish spaceports and launch companies.
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Scotland Office
10
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Accepted
The UK Government should prioritise investment in Scottish-based launch sites in order to reduce dependency on foreign providers. The Government should also diversify launch partnerships and build domestic capacity to avoid being deprioritised by foreign launch providers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60) 40
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The UK Government should prioritise investment in Scottish-based launch sites in order to reduce dependency on foreign providers. The Government should also diversify launch partnerships and build domestic capacity to avoid being deprioritised by foreign launch providers. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60) 40
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Government response AI summary
The government supports a commercial approach to launch rather than direct ownership. It commits that the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will work with the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to promote UK launch services internationally and will publish a space exports strategy in 2026. …
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Scotland Office
13
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Accepted
While Scotland has great potential to be part of a sovereign launch nation and a collaborative European partner, it is increasingly clear that space ambitions cannot be fully fulfilled in isolation. We are pleased to see that space has been included in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, recognising its growing …
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While Scotland has great potential to be part of a sovereign launch nation and a collaborative European partner, it is increasingly clear that space ambitions cannot be fully fulfilled in isolation. We are pleased to see that space has been included in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, recognising its growing importance to national security. However, as highlighted in the review and in the evidence we have received, the UK’s long-term space ambitions must be grounded in deepened partnerships. To secure long-term resilience, economic visibility and geopolitical relevance, a cooperative approach must be embraced that aligns with European partners and institutions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 73)
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is already developing and deepening international engagement, including with European partners, through various programs and bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation and resilience.
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Scotland Office
14
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Accepted
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out how it is actively pursuing and deepening international partnerships— particularly with European nations and institutions such as the European Space Agency—to ensure resilient and assured access to space. (Recommendation, Paragraph 74)
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In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out how it is actively pursuing and deepening international partnerships— particularly with European nations and institutions such as the European Space Agency—to ensure resilient and assured access to space. (Recommendation, Paragraph 74)
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is actively pursuing and deepening international partnerships, including with European nations and institutions like ESA, through active participation in programmes such as ESA Space Transportation and NATO STARLIFT. It details ongoing bilateral and multilateral engagements to strengthen collaboration and ensure resilient …
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Scotland Office
17
Recommendation
2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo…
Accepted
The sector’s prioritisation within the Industrial Strategy, must be underpinned by a long-term and strategic approach to investment in the sector, which is also aligned with the objectives of the National Space Strategy and Defence Space Strategy. Such an approach would provide stakeholders with greater confidence, stability with existing policies …
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The sector’s prioritisation within the Industrial Strategy, must be underpinned by a long-term and strategic approach to investment in the sector, which is also aligned with the objectives of the National Space Strategy and Defence Space Strategy. Such an approach would provide stakeholders with greater confidence, stability with existing policies and a clearer roadmap for long-term growth. (Recommendation, Paragraph 83)
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Government response AI summary
The government accepts the need for long-term strategic investment and outlines efforts to formalise a 'one-government' capabilities-led approach to space investments. It commits to publishing costed plans in 2026, which will detail government priorities over the spending review period.
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Scotland Office