Cornwall is Europe’s gateway to space and is home to the only operational spaceport in Western Europe, controlled by Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd, a world leading satellite, lunar and deep space communications provider. Spaceport Cornwall and the UK’s National Drone Hub, offers a perfect environment for the development and operation of future air and space systems.
The Cornwall Space Cluster is a thriving ecosystem determined to prove the economic, social, environmental and cultural capabilities of this region. Supported by the UK Space Agency and Satellite Applications Catapult, the 130 strong group of organisations contribute £116 million to the Cornish economy. Together, we’re working hard to collaborate, promote and deliver on Cornwall’s key space aims;
We’ve already earned some incredible achievements; we’re now globally recognised for our capability in launch services, satellite communications & operations, and space situational awareness. We’re also the only cluster in the UK with end-to-end value chain capability, thanks to our 3 nationally significant space and aerospace assets, 130 organisations, 9 academic institutions, and strategic partners including the Met Office, Alan Turing Institute and space agencies across the world.
UK Labour Manifesto – national technology, space and Net Zero policies
With supply chain strengths in AI, prototyping, cubesat manufacturing and uncrewed aerial systems, Cornwall Space Cluster’s dedicated space and aerospace organisations are eager to help deliver on the National Space Strategy, in line with the new Labour government’s space-related policies;
Although the only explicit reference to space and aerospace is to ‘secure the UK aviation industry’s long-term future, including through promoting sustainable aviation fuels, and encouraging airspace modernisation’ there are a number of policies and initiatives in which the space sector can play an integral role. As Cornwall Councillor Louis Gardner states, ‘I hope the Cornwall Space Cluster, which includes the Spaceport Cornwall initiative, will benefit from increased national attention and investment aimed at fostering high-tech industries outside traditional economic hubs.’.’
Infrastructure, investment and resources… What does the manifesto mean for Cornwall?
It’s early days, but Cornwall Space Cluster stakeholders are encouraged by such a strong focus on economic growth and driving innovation. Gail Eastaugh, Head of the Cornwall Space Cluster’s Strategic Partnerships, says although ‘it’s not yet clear how specific sectors will be supported to grow – much of the narrative relates to science and technology in broader terms’ but she is ‘keen to see the All Party Parliamentary Group for Space meeting as soon as possible to move this dialogue forward.’
Councillor Gardner believes there are some specific plans and adjustments that might be needed to support the Cornwall Space Cluster under the new government;
‘Cornwall Council has already made a call to the Government to confirm the future plans for regional development funding and investment to both address regional economic inequalities and increased funding for research and development and improved infrastructure incentives for private investment in the space sector. The Good Growth Plan will set out our investment priorities and over coming months will be evolved to include a plan to execute the strategy and an investment plan that, depending on national context, could involve allocating specific grants or loans to distinctive sector projects including space-related projects, enhancing educational programs to provide a skilled workforce, and developing partnerships with international space agencies and private companies.’
Similarly, Gail notes that although the Cornwall Space Cluster is on track to see significant further growth by 2030, this ‘will depend on investment in innovation, infrastructure and skills from both the public and private sectors… For example, infrastructure development is a common challenge across all of the high growth sectors in Cornwall, so we’d welcome a common approach to this. I’m also pleased to see 10 year budgets for R&D and multi-year settlements being discussed for Councils, which will enable long term planning and implementation of business support programmes.’
Opportunities and implications – the manifesto and Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Plan
Councillor Gardner, “Cornwall Council has been working hard on the Good Growth Plan since the start of 2024 to comprehensively understand the current opportunities and challenges, sector strengths and needs and understand opportunities for growth. The General Election on 4 July and new Labour Government has catalysed change to the national economic growth policy context and although the full detail of this is not clear, it is evident from manifesto commitments and early announcements that our Cornwall Good Growth Plan has clear alignment to Labour’s missions to rebuild Britain, which set out a clear intention to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower and break down barriers to opportunity.
The emerging context for a national industrial strategy to create good work and an ambition to rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community mirrors our overriding commitment to growing the economy, addressing future challenges and meeting the needs of the population in Cornwall. We are positioning ourselves to meet Government’s ambitions to kickstart growth by setting in place a confident growth plan with the potential to unleash Cornwall’s ability to support the ambition of a stronger and more sustainable United Kingdom through sustainable local growth. From our core sectors like agriculture, through to our distinctive sectors like space, minerals and renewable energy, we have the natural resources to help feed and power the country.
The important point remains that whilst we may need to reconsider aspects of our growth plan in light of the upcoming King’s speech, autumn statement and policy announcements, our strong confident economic plan will remain as the vision for growth in Cornwall and the burgeoning space sector sits firmly within that as a distinctive strength.”
He goes on to say that aligning local policies with the national space strategy under Labour’s governance will be essential;
‘This could mean adapting regional plans to fit broader national objectives, such as sustainability and technological innovation. Local policies may need to emphasise environmental responsibility in space activities, support for STEM education, and integration with national infrastructure projects. By harmonising local initiatives with national strategies, Cornwall can ensure a coherent and effective approach to developing its space sector.’
Ultimately, Councillor Gardner hopes that the new Labour government’s impact on Cornwall’s new 10 year Good Growth Plan – especially in relation to the space sector – will be positive, with an emphasis on funding, education, and collaboration. ‘Cornwall Council will be key in implementing these changes and using national strategies to inform local strategy,, aiming to establish the region as a leading player in the global space economy.’
Referring to Cornwall’s Good Growth Plan, Lord Hutton, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum, says the strategy sets out a ‘clear and compelling vision of Cornwall’s leading role in helping reshape the UK economy over the next decade, driving good work and supporting strong local communities.’
Labour hopes to bring local leaders together with major employers, educational institutions and industry bodies to identify, plan and develop areas of growth – something Cornwall has been doing for the past 25 years. Lord Hutton believes that ‘we’re well prepared to deliver [with a] a model that’s working – recently published data show that Cornwall is finally moving the dial when it comes to boosting GDP per head and productivity, albeit with some way still to go.’
Whilst he endorses the strategy, Lord Hutton notes that government investment will be the driving force behind its success – which, despite the best intentions, is unlikely to be set in place by March (when Cornwall’s current growth funding ends).
‘Local Authorities and the private sector too will need time to adjust to any new mechanism for delivery. That’s why we’re backing calls for an interim arrangement, with another year of Government-supported investment along the lines of what we have now, so that come next Spring we can maintain momentum and confidence without having to dismantle the delivery teams and structures that are proving so effective at supporting businesses and communities across Cornwall and Scilly through the current Good Growth Programme.’
How can the Cornwall Space Cluster deliver on Labour’s manifesto?
Looking more broadly at the manifesto, UKspace has identified a number of space-related commitments. There are several areas in which we think the space sector (and Cornwall Space Cluster specifically) can have a strong impact;
Aligning the Cornwall Space Cluster’s ambitions with new Labour governance
The Cornwall Space Cluster has already proved its mettle through its £116 million contribution to the local economy, setting a precedent for further success;
‘The Cornwall Space Cluster, along with 14 other space clusters across the UK, has demonstrated a successful model for economic growth in recent years. There is an opportunity to use this model for other sectors and innovation clusters across the UK. For example, our national Space Cluster leads have already built on relationships between clusters (including space, aerospace, defence, energy) and we’re keen to continue working together on this. Moving forwards, we’d like to see more benefits coming directly to Cornwall from the European Space Agency, leveraged by the UK government. If the proposed policy reforms are realised quickly, the UK will act as a magnet for innovation; the underpinning theme of Labour’s manifesto.’
Ultimately, Cornwall Space Cluster believes that collaboration will be critical when it comes to upholding Labour’s commitment to ‘buy, sell and make more in Britain’.
