Space Policy

Patrick Grady Excerpts

Wednesday 18th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gyimah]

The space sector, in addition to being part of our critical national infrastructure, underpins our value in the economy to the tune of £250 billion. This is not just about pushing the frontiers of human knowledge; it is also about creating jobs and helping to power our economy forward. That is why this investment announcement is so important.

[Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)]

I have a feeling that we are about to witness some rocket launches long before anything takes off from a site in Sutherland. Given the contribution that Glasgow makes to the space industry—more satellites are manufactured there than anywhere else in Europe, and pioneering research takes place in the space institute at the University of Glasgow in my constituency—what discussions will the Minister be having with university space institutes to ensure that they can access funding as a result of today’s announcement and that they are fully involved as this project moves forward?

[Mr Gyimah]

I am planning a trip to Scotland before the end of this month, and I will be discussing exactly those sorts of things with the universities.