Championing the UK Space Sector

At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference earlier last week, I was delighted that my amendment to the Lib Dems new policy on the space sector was passed. My aim was to  highlight the vital role our universities play in driving the UK’s space industry forward. 

The UK space sector is a remarkable success story. It is growing faster than the wider economy and attracting more private investment than any country outside the US. Satellite services alone underpin industries worth 18% of UK GDP, powering everything from communications and navigation to climate monitoring and national security.  

Here in Guildford constituency, satellite services are particularly important to the local economy. Surrey Research Park is home to serval world leading small satellite businesses including Airbus and HotSat. The University of Surrey is home to world-leading space engineering and the UK’s largest university spinout, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. 

Further growth depends on research, innovation, and skills and universities are central to that success. They train the engineers of tomorrow and foster the partnerships that keep Britain at the cutting edge. 

My amendment ensures that we recognise this contribution and commit to investing in the talent pipeline that will secure our global leadership in space. This is about jobs, growth, and opportunities, as well as inspiring the next generation to dream big. 

Watch my speech below.