To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many SMEs his Department awarded space defence sector contracts to in (a) 2021, (b) 2022 and (c) 2023; and what steps he is taking to improve the ability of SMEs to access space defence contracts.

In 2021 the Ministry of Defence awarded no space defence sector contracts to SMEs; in 2022 we awarded five; and in 2023 we awarded 10. The MOD is supporting UK businesses through our Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Action Plan and wider initiatives with the Defence Suppliers Forum, maximising our strategic relationship with industry to deliver world class capability and support to the Armed Forces. We are encouraging our major suppliers to publish their own sub-contract opportunities through the Defence Sourcing Portal, making it easier for SMEs to find and bid for defence work.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, in close consultation with Defence, will make a further publication for the space sector in the coming months, which will increase growth and resilience in the UK space.