Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the danger of orbital weapons, both kinetic and others, following the disclosure by the United States of its aggressive space capacity; and what steps they plan to take to prevent a new arms race in space.

The Government recognises that orbital weapons, both kinetic and non-kinetic, pose a growing threat to critical space-based services vital to the UK and its allies. We are concerned by reports of efforts to deploy nuclear weapons in space, which would be highly destabilising and contrary to international law. The Government supports a behaviour-based, risk-reduction approach to maintain a safe, secure and sustainable space environment. We work closely with international partners to promote responsible conduct, uphold existing legal frameworks and prevent escalation.

Through the UK Space Strategy and Defence Investment Plan, the Government is investing in the resilience and protection of UK; and allied space assets to ensure freedom of action in space; and safeguard long-term sustainability. We remain committed to international cooperation and the development of norms that reduce risk and preserve stability in this increasingly contested domain.