Question to the Department for Transport:

Her Majesty's Government when they envisage completing the implementation of the licensing regime for spaceports in the UK; and, if completion will not take place until 2020 or later, what consideration they have given to expediting that process.

Regulators will be in a position to start accepting licence applications for spaceports and spaceflight activities once the Space Industry Bill has been enacted and the supporting secondary legislation and guidance are in place.

Our intention is to lay the main statutory instruments in summer 2019, subject to Government priorities and Parliamentary time. This allows time for the necessary detailed policy development, consultation and drafting of secondary legislation and guidance to support a robust and effective licensing regime. This will be done in close liaison with industry and other stakeholders.