UK to begin process of purchasing sat-nav system after pulling out of EU scheme
Stock image of a satellite launch. Photograph: Piqsels/CC. - Credit: Archant
Britain has begun the process of purchasing its own satellite navigation system for defence and critical national infrastructure purposes, according to reports.
The Times says prime minister Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak signed off on the purchase of a 20% stake in satellite operator OneWeb on Thursday night, after the UK was unable to access the EU's Galileo satellite navigation system because of Brexit.
The PM agreed 'to put up about £500 million' of taxpayer money for the purchase, according to the Financial Times, which said the funds were part of a larger private sector consortium bid.
The FT also said Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was 'instrumental' in pushing for the UK's involvement in the bid, as the Government seeks a system that will support mobile phones and provide vital location information for the military and businesses.
OneWeb filed for bankruptcy in March in the US, where most of its operations are located, after failing to secure new funding.
You may also want to watch:
It is headquartered in Britain and has 74 satellites in orbit along with plans for hundreds more.
Previously, the UK aimed to build its own global navigation satellite system, at a cost estimated by independent experts of £3-£5 billion.
Most Read
- 1 Brexiteer Prue Leith quits Tory Party after government votes down motion to protect UK food standards
- 2 Piers Morgan must expose the government's Brexit betrayal
- 3 Public slams Brexit Party tweet which shames Tory MPs who voted against free school meals
- 4 Peers set to remove law-breaking sections of Boris Johnson's Brexit bill
- 5 Michel Barnier postpones Brussels return as Brexit trade talks in London continue
- 6 James Cleverly mocked after telling people to 'look at how they're doing in Wales'
- 7 Tory minister blames journalists for NHS Test and Trace failure as he defends Dido Harding
- 8 Group in protest against Tory MPs who voted down free school meals targets offices with empty plates
- 9 UKIP set to select 'Dr Gammons' as candidate for London mayoral election
- 10 Boris Johnson 'frantically repositioning' himself for Donald Trump to lose election
Then-prime minister Theresa May said in December 2018 that Britain expected to work with the US and other 'Five Eyes' partners.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
