Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has underlined the importance of international cooperation to the future of Britain’s space industry after representing the UK at the first International Space Summit in Paris.
The summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Grand Palais on 9 and 10 September, brought together political leaders, ministers, astronauts, space agencies, major companies and emerging technology firms from across the world. Around 90 countries and international organisations were represented, alongside nearly 1,100 businesses from the global space sector.
Reflecting on the visit, Reynolds said:
“A short but sweet visit to the French capital for the first International Space Summit.”
“Fascinating to hear from world leaders and experts on the future of space. Working with international partners is absolutely key to the success of the industry.”
He also thanked Macron for hosting the gathering.
Labour puts space at heart of growth strategy
Reynolds’ visit comes as the Labour Government places greater emphasis on the economic, technological and national security opportunities offered by Britain’s growing space sector.
The Government this week unveiled a new national space strategy designed to bring investment, defence and scientific activity together under a single plan.
The strategy includes plans for a more resilient national satellite communications system, investment in space technology and measures aimed at using the industry to support economic growth and Britain’s wider reindustrialisation.
The Government argues that space infrastructure increasingly underpins everyday life — from mobile communications and transport to weather forecasting, navigation and defence.
International cooperation central to future of sector
The Paris summit focused on three major themes: expanding the global space economy through international cooperation, advancing science and exploration, and strengthening security and resilience in space.
The UK joined a series of international declarations agreed during the summit, including commitments on scientific data from space and the peaceful, secure and sustainable use of outer space.
Britain also joined partners supporting international cooperation around the Copernicus Earth-observation programme, which provides satellite data used for areas ranging from climate monitoring to emergency response and environmental management.
Opportunities for British business
For Reynolds, the summit also offered an opportunity to promote Britain’s space industry and strengthen relationships with international investors and technology partners.
The UK already has significant strengths in satellite manufacturing, communications, Earth observation, research and space-related services.
Labour’s wider industrial strategy is seeking to ensure that those technological strengths translate into more investment, high-skilled employment and commercially successful British companies.
The Government also sees space as increasingly important to national security, with satellites and communications infrastructure playing a growing role in defence and economic resilience.
Britain seeking stronger global role
Reynolds’ message from Paris reflects Labour’s wider approach of combining domestic investment with stronger international partnerships.
At a time when competition in space is intensifying between the United States, Europe, China and other emerging space powers, ministers argue Britain will need close cooperation with allies if it is to remain at the forefront of technological development.
For Reynolds, the first International Space Summit was an opportunity to make the case that Britain can be both a major space economy and a reliable international partner — using science, innovation and British industry to create jobs, strengthen security and help shape the future of space.
