Carmichael voices concern over abolition of UK Space Agency

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today voiced concerns about news that the UK Space Agency will be absorbed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in April 2026, and cease to exist as an independent agency.

The government says this will save money, cut duplication and ensure ministerial oversight, though some experts have raised concerns that the change could lead to disruption in the short term and the UK losing ground to its international competitors.

Mr Carmichael said:

“Having generally been pretty content with the efforts of the UK Space Agency in recent years, I would call this a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it’. There is no doubt in my mind from past discussions and debates in Parliament that the government takes a strong interest in supporting the space sector but I fear that this could be unnecessary disruption to the vital work developing our space industry in the isles and across the UK.

“What matters, however, are results. Whatever government body is leading the charge, as long as there is a strong, single-minded focus in government to get our space industry off the ground in the months to come, that is what counts.”