§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the role of the European Union Satellite Centre, with particular reference to co-operation with UK-based image analysis agencies. [57868]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe EU Satellite Centre supports decision-making under the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular the European Security and Defence Policy, by providing analysis of satellite imagery and collateral data. The UK-based image analysis agency, (Defence Geographical and Imagery Intelligence Agency (DGIA)) has no formal links with the Satellite Centre but the output of the two organisations is co-ordinated to provide the maximum benefit to the UK. As part of this co-ordination, the UK has placed some tasks on the Satellite Centre, including the update of hydrographic charts, evacuation planning and environmental projects.