Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the OneWeb and Eutelsat merger on the UK's (a) national security and (b) strategic interests in space and satellite technology.

OneWeb’s merger with Eutelsat means the Government now has a significant stake in a larger and more diverse company, which will play an important role in securing UK interests in an increasingly competitive satellite communications sector.

The Government retains certain rights in OneWeb. These provide a range of national security rights and ensure that the UK remains a preferred location for activity on a commercially competitive basis. The merger was approved by all relevant regulatory bodies in 2023.

OneWeb continues to innovate in the UK satellite communications sector, contributing to one of Government’s five critical technologies for the future.