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Written question asked by Charlie Dewhirst (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Friday, 10 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Space Weather: National Security

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the recommendations in the National Audit Office report entitled The UK’s resilience to severe space weather, HC1737, March 2026.

Answer

The Government welcomes the National Audit Office’s report, The UK’s resilience to severe space weather, and recognises the value of its recommendations in strengthening the United Kingdom’s resilience to this national risk. The report identified progress made in improving our forecasting capability and preparedness, while highlighting areas where further work is needed, including governance, defining the level of resilience required, strengthening exercising and response planning, and enhancing engagement with businesses and the public.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology accepts the report’s recommendations in full and will work with the National Audit Office to provide them with updates on the implementation of our response to the recommendations in line with National Audit Office procedures. Of note, is the ongoing review of the UK Severe Space Weather Preparedness Strategy, due this year. The Government remains committed to working across departments, industry, academia and international partners to improve the UK's preparedness for and resilience to severe space weather events.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15229
Session
2026-27
Related items
Subjects
Emergencies National security Space weather Risk assessment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk