‘I’m kicking myself’: Wes Streeting left red-faced in interview as he admits he doesn’t know cost of his new RAF ‘space force’
Wes Streeting was unable to state the cost of a new RAF space unit during a radio interview, prompting criticism and an awkward exchange with presenter Nick Ferrari. The No III Space Effects Squadron is intended to protect and support satellites used for missile warnings, communications and maritime navigation, while helping deter threats to British interests in space.
Streeting said the unit would initially involve “tens of people” but could not provide its specific funding figure. Ferrari cited planned investment of £7.8 billion across the UK space sector to 2030, including £2.8 billion for defence communications and £30 million in additional support for SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland; Streeting acknowledged that the cost was an important detail he should have known.
- Streeting could not recall the space unit’s cost during an interview.
- The squadron will support satellite protection, communications and missile warnings.
- UK space-sector funding is planned to reach £7.8 billion by 2030.