Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she is having with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on supporting the space-sector in delivering the ambitions set out in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, published on 23 June 2025.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business and Trade are working closely to deliver the Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan for space. Ministers with responsibility for space in both departments have discussed progress at the Space Ministerial Forum. Government has also established the Space Industry Advisory Group, which met on 20 April and was chaired by Minister Lloyd. Delivery is progressing, including cross-government action to accelerate capability in priority subsectors, investment to boost commercialisation and scale-up, and the UK’s largest ever investment in ESA at the Council of Ministers 2025. The Department for Business and Trade will lead a space trade mission to Japan in early July to support growth through exports, supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, who will lead bilateral engagement with Japanese Government. Departments will continue working together to deliver the Plan and wider Industrial Strategy for the UK space sector.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure that the prosecution and processes that support sexual offence cases, are compliant with the Victims’ Code.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Victims’ Code sets out what victims can expect from the criminal justice system. The Ministry of Justice recently consulted on a draft Victims’ Code (this closed on 30 April) and the Department is currently analysing the consultation responses to ensure the Government gets the foundations right for victims in the new Code. The new Code will be complimented by a Code compliance framework which, once implemented, will place new statutory duties for criminal justice agencies, including the courts, to demonstrate compliance with victims’ rights under the Code.

To ensure victims have the support they need whilst engaging in the court process, the Courts and Tribunals Bill, will strengthen access to special measures to help victims be able to participate effectively in the justice process. For example, screening the witness from the defendant or enabling evidence via video link can help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence.

The Crown Prosecution Service also offers pre-trial meetings to adult victims of rape and serious sexual offences before they give evidence at court or before they pre-record their cross examination. Through the Code consultation, the Department will consider whether to make pre-trial meetings a specific Code right for these victims.

In addition, in 2025 the Ministry of Justice published statutory guidance on Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), setting out best practice for supporting victims. ISVAs offer practical and emotional support, such as accompanying victims when giving evidence in court or via live link.

The Department also funds the Witness Service which provides emotional support and practical assistance in court on the day of trial, such as providing information on the court process, providing a visible presence in a court building when trials are listed and (if requested by the witness and agreed by the judge) accompanying them into the courtroom when they give evidence or for the reading of their Victim Personal Statement.

The Ministry of Justice also provides significant funding for victim and witness support services, including community-based domestic abuse and sexual violence services. This is complemented by core funding to Police and Crime Commissioners who commission local services based on assessed need.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to expedite cases involving sexual offences.

Answered by Catherine Atkinson - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

The Government inherited a justice system in crisis with a record and rising number of criminal cases waiting to be heard in the Crown Court. Victims are facing unacceptable delays and without action, the situation will continue to spiral, far beyond the point of recovery.

The reforms being brought forward through the recently introduced Courts and Tribunals Bill are designed to improve timeliness in the Crown Court and speed up justice for all victims, including victims of rape.

The uncapping of Crown Court sitting days in 2026/27 will mean more rape and other sexual offence cases can be heard.

Alongside this, judges will continue to prioritise cases involving vulnerable victims and witnesses, including rape and other sexual offences.

We must continue to support victims until these reforms take effect, and the Deputy Prime Minister has announced investment of £550 million in victim support services over the next three years of this Spending Review period.

Found: Perteghella: Financial Support for small businesses and individuals during the covid-19 pandemic Mark Garnier

Found: For example, Mark Garnier made his first appearance before BBCOM in 15 years on 1st July 2025 to request

Found: Charities     Patron, Grocery Aid   Mark Garnier MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Found: Financial interests Blind trust/ blind management arrangement Mark Garnier MP, Parliamentary Under

Found: Financial interests Blind trust/ blind management arrangement Mark Garnier MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary