Wes Streeting MP Delivers Keynote Address at UK Space Power Conference: Insights on Defence and Innovation

It is important to address the recent incident that occurred this afternoon near RAF Valley in Anglesey. A T2 Hawk aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, and both crew members successfully ejected from the aircraft. I am pleased to report that they have been taken to hospital for medical attention. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is currently underway, but our thoughts are with the crew as we wish them a swift recovery.

Reflecting on the Current Climate

As we turn our attention to the main themes of today’s conference, I want to acknowledge that you have likely been inundated with information throughout the day. As a devoted Star Trek enthusiast, I have been particularly eager to engage with you. While I understand you may be fatigued by numerous speeches, I urge you to bear with me as I delve deeper into critical matters.

We are undeniably living in a time of significant instability and uncertainty. Our adversaries are actively probing and testing us daily. Russia is engaged in warfare across Europe, while China is fundamentally altering the global economic and technological landscape. Long-standing alliances can no longer be assumed, and the threats we face are both escalating and encroaching upon our homeland.

In light of these challenges, safeguarding our nation has become the foremost duty of any government, more pressing now than it has been for generations. As Defence Secretary, my primary focus is to enhance our nation’s deterrence and readiness, ensuring we are prepared, willing, and capable of thwarting any adversarial actions. Although this concept is not new, the requirements for maintaining and maximising deterrence in the 21st century are evolving, as the nature of threats to our security continues to change.

The Nature of Modern Threats

Hostile nations are increasingly encroaching on our airspace, mapping undersea cables, and intruding on our territorial waters. Cyber attackers target our infrastructure and institutions, while threats extend even into space. In the 19th century, control of the seas was paramount for deterrence, leading Britain to establish the most formidable naval power in history. The 20th century shifted the focus to air superiority, resulting in the formation of a world-class air force. This century, however, will hinge on our ability to control space. Thus, our mission is to ensure that our space deterrence is as robust as our terrestrial capabilities, modernising our armed forces to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary in any domain.

While popular culture often portrays space as a distant future, the realities of our national security hinge on technologies currently orbiting hundreds or thousands of miles above us. Space systems are vital to the operational effectiveness of our armed forces, providing the means to understand, communicate, mobilise, and combat as a cohesive unit.

Dependence on Space and Economic Implications

Our military capabilities are inherently reliant on space; satellites are fundamental for intelligence gathering and missile defence. They underpin nearly a fifth of the UK economy, affecting everything from weather forecasting and energy supply to financial transactions, navigation, mobile connectivity, and logistics. Many attendees here today would not have reached this venue without technology dependent on space. The potential loss of GPS alone could cost our economy £1.4 billion each day.

The absence of these conveniences would threaten our daily freedoms and erode trust in our institutions. To illustrate, consider the disruptions faced when airports experience outages, train services are suspended, or mobile banking systems fail. A minor inconvenience can swiftly evolve into a significant grievance, shifting public perception from reliability to a belief that systems are fundamentally flawed.

This discontent creates fertile ground for populism, which our adversaries are eager to exploit. Our increasing dependence on space is precisely why it is under heightened threat. The scale, speed, and sophistication of these threats are expanding, mirroring geopolitical tensions we observe on Earth.

The Evolving Landscape of Defence

Our adversaries are investing significantly in weaponry designed to disable our satellite systems. Between 2019 and 2021, the operational satellite fleets of China and Russia expanded by an astonishing 70%. Recent revelations indicate that Russian satellites have intercepted communications of numerous European satellites since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. This not only highlights the capabilities our adversaries possess to jeopardise our national interests but also their evident intent to do so, necessitating our proactive response.

We acknowledge the numerous challenges facing our defence sector, recognising that in certain areas, we have room for improvement. This awareness has led us to initiate the largest defence investment since the Cold War, with further expansions anticipated. Concurrently, it is essential to recognise that our space operations are already at the forefront of global standards.

Innovations in Space Operations

We possess a range of tools that grant us access and operational freedom in space, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, deep space radar, and satellite communications. Over the past nine weeks, I have had the privilege of witnessing these capabilities in action, meeting the extraordinary individuals who manage them and observing our daily operations. It fills me with immense pride to see what our defence sector can achieve, and there are countless remarkable advancements I would love to share with the public, which serve as a testament to British excellence.

We can take pride in the fact that this small island nation off Europe’s northwest coast continues to make a substantial impact globally, whether in the realms of science, innovation, or the capabilities we offer even to a superpower like the United States. However, it is crucial to strike the right balance; we must be confident in our achievements while remaining aware of the necessity for further progress. Britain must keep pace in the new space race, ensuring that we possess the capabilities to control space, safeguard our assets, and, if necessary, deny access to hostile entities.

Strategic Developments in Space Defence

This imperative was recognised in the Strategic Defence Review, which for the first time placed space on an equal footing with land, sea, and air as domains of conflict. The Defence Investment Plan has earmarked over £3 billion for space capabilities in its initial four years. The recently launched UK Space Strategy elevates defence and national security to a central position in this discourse.

Earlier today, we announced the establishment of the UK’s inaugural squadron solely dedicated to our Control of Space mission. Despite my light-hearted suggestion to name it Star Fleet Command, we have settled on No. 3 Space Effects Squadron, which possesses a compelling resonance.

This new squadron will conduct offensive and defensive operations, bolster deterrence, diminish opportunities for coercion, and enhance the resilience of our space capabilities. It will be equipped to disrupt, degrade, and deny hostile actions while safeguarding UK interests in both space and on Earth. This initiative aligns with our ongoing development of capabilities for orbital warfare, electronic warfare, and counter-satellite technologies, all designed with deterrence as a primary focus.

Preparing for Future Conflicts

We must avoid the common pitfall of preparing only for past conflicts. The rapid advancements in battlefield technologies and tactics evident in Ukraine serve as a stark warning. We cannot afford to ignore these lessons. The pace of change is accelerating, and we must be ready for space to become the next arena of conflict. Importantly, we will ensure that any capabilities we develop will always be employed responsibly and in alignment with the UK’s commitment to a secure and sustainable space environment. As in terrestrial matters, we do not seek conflict; rather, we aim to defend our nation, our interests, our values, and our allies through effective deterrence.

The Importance of Alliances

Alliances remain critical in our pursuit of these objectives. No nation can achieve these goals in isolation, a reality that holds true not only for the UK but for every country. The complexities of the modern world demand collaboration. My predecessor, John Healey, articulated a NATO-first but not NATO-only approach, which I firmly believe is the right stance. NATO is the cornerstone of Britain’s defence and security, and a stronger United Kingdom is essential for a more robust Europe and a resilient NATO. The future of our alliances will hinge on adaptability and innovation.

This insight stems from our experiences in Ukraine and reinforces our focus on space. We possess a strong foundation for success; our space sector is already recognised as one of the most innovative and commercially successful in the world, valued at approximately £20 billion and employing over 55,000 individuals. Our scientists and engineers are pioneering instruments that reach the edge of the universe and service satellites in orbit. We must continue to push the boundaries of defence innovation, particularly in space, the final frontier.

Investing in the Future

Advancing defence innovation is essential for maintaining our existing advantages and developing new ones. This entails expanding Britain’s defence industrial base and fostering deeper partnerships with leading businesses and research institutions, which is crucial for our security. This approach also supports the Prime Minister’s re-industrialisation agenda and his vision for growth across every region of the country.

Investment in defence translates into investment in British industry, skills, and jobs, with nearly 70% of these opportunities located outside London and the South East. Expanding our presence in space will offer greater prospects for young people, whether they are in uniform or pursuing careers in digital technologies, AI, telecommunications, and robotics. This intersection of national security and economic prosperity ensures we not only enhance our defence capabilities but also create