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Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Chris McDonald (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Satellite Communications: Finance

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, with reference to his Department's press notice entitled UK invests in homegrown space tech to boost national resilience, published on 20 July 2026, whether the funding announced for satellite communications and space innovation represents (a) new funding and (b) funding previously allocated in departmental spending plans.

Original answer

£160 million was allocated to the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit programme in 2024 as part of the Spending Review process. This was subject to review and confirmation in the last Spending Review.

The National Space Innovation Programme and Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund were allocated a share of £135 million from the Spending Review process in 2025.

The answer was corrected by Chris McDonald (Labour)

on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Corrected answer

£160 million was allocated to the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit programme in 2024 as part of the Spending Review process. This was subject to review and confirmation in the last Spending Review.

The National Space Innovation Programme and Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund were allocated a share of £135 million from the Spending Review process in 2025.

Of the £62m announced, £42m formed the third round of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit programme, a £160 million initiative announced in 2024 and allocated to Departmental Spending Plans through the last Spending Review process.

A further £20m formed the latest round of the National Space Innovation Programme and Space Clusters Infrastructure Fund, which were allocated a share of £135 million from Departmental Spending Plans through the Spending Review process.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22640
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Finance Satellite communications
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk