Embracing the New Space Age

Policy Exchange hosted a keynote speech by Chris Skidmore MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, on the topic of ‘Embracing the New Space Age’

Following this a panel was held on ‘Space Policy: What do we want from the next Prime Minister?‘, marking the launch of Policy Exchange’s ‘space manifesto‘ for the new leadership.

Lucy Edge
COO and Executive Director, Satellite Applications Catapult

David Morris MP 
Chair, Parliamentary Space Committee

Graham Peters
Chair, UKSpace

Rt. Hon. Lord Willetts
Former Minister for Universities and Science

Dr Graham Turnock
Chief Executive, UK Space Agency

Chaired by

Gabriel Elefteriu
Head of Space Policy, Policy Exchange

About the event
The week marking 50 years since man’s first step on the Moon is the perfect time to reflect on past British achievements in space, and to take a hard look at what the government needs to do next in this area.

The Science Minister, Chris Skidmore MP will address the first of these two subjects in a major keynote speech followed by a Q&A. We will then move on to a panel discussion which will be anchored by a new paper to be published by Policy Exchange on the morning of the event, outlining a policy programme for turning Britain into one of the leading space nations of the 21st century. We need bold, decisive action in this exciting and rewarding policy area – but what should be the priorities, and what are the strategic choices facing the next government in space affairs?

Space-enabled services and capabilities have become vital pillars of the modern digital economy, critical national infrastructure and national security. They drive growth, open new markets and support national interests globally. Britain’s peer countries are responding through new, well-resourced space strategies backed by top political support. This is therefore a pivotal time for the UK space sector and for our country’s overall future in the space domain.

About the series
What do we want from the next Prime Minister? That is the question at the heart of a major series of events announced by Policy Exchange. Brexit has increased the number of potential futures for our country. But the search for a new national consensus – a governing philosophy with a broad basis of support and a policy agenda to match – has so far proved elusive. Join us to discuss the policies that could bring a divided UK together again.