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Select Committee · Scottish Affairs Committee

Scotland’s space sector follow-up: launch

Status: Closed Opened: 21 Jan 2025 Closed: 1 Dec 2025 20 recommendations 4 conclusions 1 report

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 here. Work on that inquiry …

Clear

Reports

1 report
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 item
22 Conclusion 2nd Report - Scotland’s space sector fo… Not Addressed

Direct government control of UK Space Agency must safeguard its autonomy and agility

We therefore cautiously welcome the Government’s decision to take direct control of the UK Space Agency, which signals a clear intent to strengthen coordination across Government, to support the sector’s development. If implemented well, this move could be a step in the right direction towards reducing bureaucracy and streamlining the …

Government response. The government's response focuses on general coordination across departments and existing ministerial forums, but does not address the committee's specific concerns about ensuring the UK Space Agency's autonomy, proactivity, and agility under new direct control.
Scotland Office

Oral evidence sessions

2 sessions
Date Witnesses
23 Apr 2025 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 View ↗
5 Feb 2025 Alan Thompson · Skyrora Limited, Jörn Spurmann · Rocket Factory Augsburg, Nik Smith · UKspace, Phil Chambers · Orbex, Ruari Brooker · HyImpulse, Scott Hammond · SaxaVord Spaceport View ↗

Correspondence

2 letters
DateDirectionTitle
3 Sep 2025 To cttee Letter from Minister of State, Sir Chris Bryant, regarding UKSA and DSIT, date…
2 Apr 2025 To cttee Letter from Scottish Government regarding Scotland’s space sector follow up: l…