Asked by: Lord Beamish (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of international regulations regarding low-Earth-orbit satellites on (1) the UK's strategic communications capabilities and (2) the resilience of UK critical national infrastructure.
Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Government recognises that Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications present major opportunities for the UK. International regulations governing LEO satellites directly impact our strategic communications capabilities and the resilience of critical national infrastructure.
Ofcom represents the UK at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and DSIT is working closely with departments and Ofcom to shape the UK’s position ahead of the 2027 ITU World Radio Conference, ensuring regulations reflect national policy objectives and strategic priorities.
As outlined in the Industrial Strategy, the Government aims to work with international partners to ensure evolving regulations continue to support UK strategic goals and the deployment of advanced connectivity technologies.
Asked by: Lord Beamish (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions (1) Ministers and (2) officials have had with Ofcom regarding the modernisation of satellite regulations at the International Telecommunication Union; and what assessment they have made of the potential of such modernisation to enhance the UK’s security capabilities.
Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Ofcom represents the UK at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Government works closely with Ofcom to ensure international satellite regulations align with UK technology and policy goals, and that strategic priorities are reflected in international negotiations.
In the proposed Statement of Strategic Priorities, the Government expects Ofcom to lead in shaping the international spectrum framework to support UK space services.
As reflected in the Space Regulatory Review, officials are working to embed national security and interest considerations proportionately across all licensable space activities, including space spectrum.
Asked by: Lord Beamish (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment that have made of the role that low-Earth-orbit satellite broadband technologies will play in its recently updated Resilience Action Plan.
Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
The Resilience Action Plan sets out the Government’s strategic vision for a stronger, more resilient nation. It recognises that resilience across all sectors, including telecoms, is vital to withstanding and recovering from an increasingly wide range of risks.
Low Earth-orbit satellite technology has an increasing role in telecoms resilience. For example, in instances where terrestrial networks might fail, Low Earth Orbit satellite connections can be rapidly deployed to provide broadband coverage.
Asked by: Lord Beamish (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) organ-on-a-chip technology and (b) other human-specific technologies on economic growth.
Answered by George Freeman
The Government has not made an assessment on the potential impact of organ-on-chip and other human-specific technologies on economic growth. It is actively supporting and funding the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs). UK Research and Innovation provides the core funding for the National Centre for 3Rs, which drives the uptake of 3Rs technologies. Since it was established, the NC3Rs has invested £77 million in research and almost £27 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges innovation scheme.