'Completely Unacceptable' to Exclude UK from Galileo, Minister Says

'Completely Unacceptable' to Exclude UK from Galileo, Says Defence Minister

(Source: British Forces News; issued June 14, 2018)

Brussels' decision to exclude the UK from the Galileo satellite-navigation system is "completely unacceptable", Defence Minister Guto Bebb has told MPs.

The European Commission has said the UK cannot immediately have access to the system, intended for use by government agencies, armed forces and emergency services, after Brexit because it will become a foreign entity.

Mr Bebb revealed that the Government was now looking at the possibility of developing an independent system.

He said: "We are now having to look extremely carefully at the possibility of developing our own options, but I would stress again that this Government would prefer to remain involved with the Galileo project. I think this is really a case of the European Union doing damage to themselves."

Tory former minister Sir Desmond Swayne told his frontbench "I hope we're planning to get even" to which Mr Bebb said:

"I can understand his frustration and I say again I do genuinely feel the exclusion of the UK on the basis of what I consider to be a false security case is unacceptable, but this is not about getting even, it is about doing the right thing for the industry and doing the right thing for our defence capabilities."

"I think the frustration for ministers in many ways is that the discussions that we have had with bilateral counterparts in Europe have invariably been positive, but it seems as if the European Commission sees this as a negotiating tactic."

He said it was a "shame" the European Commission does not share the same "goodwill".

Labour Brexit committee chairman Hilary Benn said the suggestion the UK could suddenly become a security risk was "insulting". He asked whether Mr Bebb shared the concern that some manufacturing capacity on space and satellites could move from the UK to the EU.

The minister replied: "Of course there would be concern, but the key thing is that we have to respond to those concerns which is why various departments of Government including defence have been in constant communication with the defence sector."

Mr Bebb was also asked by Tory Dame Cheryl Gillan about the cost of Britain building its own GPS system.

He said it was "too early for us to highlight the actual cost", but added: "The cost involved would be no greater than our current contribution to the Galileo project."

Mr Bebb also told the Commons he was confident the Prime Minister would raise the issue at NATO.

"I have no doubt that the defence department will ensure that our representations are made to the Prime Minister and I am absolutely confident that the Prime Minister will be raising these issues at the NATO conference and at further meetings with the European Union."

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UK Rebuffed Over Galileo Sat-Nav Procurement (excerpt)

(Source: BBC News; posted June 13, 2018)

The UK space industry, fighting to be part of the European satellite-navigation system, Galileo, has suffered another Brexit setback.

Delegations to the European Space Agency have approved the procurement of the next batch of spacecraft, despite British calls to delay.

The decision means UK companies will find it hard to win any contracts.

As it stands, no deal has been agreed between London and the EU-27 to allow Britain continued participation.

Even if this is eventually negotiated, any decision will probably come too late for UK firms to make the kind of bids for satellite work they have in the past.

Science minister Sam Gyimah said the vote at an Esa Council meeting to proceed with procurement put at risk Britain's future security relationship with the EU.

"The simple fact is that without full, fair and open industrial involvement, Galileo doesn't offer the UK value for money or meet our defence needs, so we would be obliged to walk away, resulting in delays and additional costs to the programme that will run into the billions," he said.

"There is an option on the table that would benefit both the UK and EU. If that is not accepted by the EU, we are a proud and confident nation and will be looking at all alternatives." Ministers have previously talked about the UK building its own sat-nav system, which could cost £3-5bn.

The European Commission says Brexit means the UK will have to be excluded from a key element of Galileo after March next year. (end of excerpt)

Click here for the full story, on the BBC News website.

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'Completely Unacceptable' to Exclude UK from Galileo, Minister Says 'Completely Unacceptable' to Exclude UK from Galileo, Minister Says Reviewed by Unknown on 05:09:00 Rating: 5

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