09-05-2025
Britain can work with EU on space research in Brexit reset victory
The hardline stance, which was opposed by many member states and European universities, was driven by France's then EU Commissioner Thierry Breton.
Paris continues to insist that the UK must not be allowed to cherry-pick the benefits of EU membership from outside of the bloc.
It has also warned that Britain must do a deal continuing EU access to its fishing waters in exchange for the defence pact, which is the cornerstone of the reset.
Ending the Horizon restrictions suggests a deal on defence is close. Space and quantum, which involves superfast computers, have uses in security and defence.
A leaked copy of the draft defence agreement, obtained by the Telegraph, states the UK and EU will 'develop cooperation on space-related security issues.'
'The EU and the UK will therefore establish regular exchanges on space security to discuss, inter alia, threats and respective policy frameworks with a view to strengthening cooperation in areas of shared interest.'
Tory Brexiteers fear that Sir Keir Starmer's reset could take Britain back into the EU through the backdoor.
The Government insists it has no plans to rejoin the EU's Single Market or Customs Union but is focused on economic growth.
