Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted in Part
Integrate defence priorities into the launch sector by supporting Scottish SMEs in defence projects.
Recommendation
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 with the Defence Space Strategy’s goals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61)
Government Response Summary
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.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
• The Ministry of Defence is working closely with DSIT to develop a ‘one-government’ capability-led approach to space, ensuring alignment across Government departments of UK priorities, including those relating to space capability procurement and development. • The Ministry of Defence is supporting the Government’s ambitions to launch satellites from spaceports across the UK. The Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of an assured access to launch capability and will seek to achieve the greatest value for money from providers who can meet this requirement. • From a commercial perspective, there may be challenges to any perceived prioritisation of Scottish providers and contractors above others due to the UK procurement legislation that requires the Ministry of Defence to compete all government contracts above the threshold. • In October last year, the UK joined the NATO STARLIFT Programme, which aims to leverage government-owned and commercial launch capabilities to enable allied launch in both peacetime and crisis. The Government is actively involved in shaping this programme to promote the development and use of UK launch capabilities and to enable UK companies to participate in any commercial opportunities arising from this initiative.