Professor Hawking: I’ll go into space

PROFESSOR Stephen Hawking has revealed he is planning to travel into space – after being offered a seat on Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic flight.

The world-famous physicist, 75, said he had not expected to have the opportunity to experience the cosmos.

Discussing the meaning of happiness, he said: ‘My three children have brought me great joy. And I can tell you what will make me happy, to travel in space.

‘I thought no one would take me but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic, and I said yes immedi- ately.’ Professor Hawking also shared his views on Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Brexit and US President Donald Trump during the interview, broadcast on ITV’s Good Morning Britain today.

He said he does not believe there will be ‘much chance’ of Labour winning an election under Mr Corbyn’s leadership, adding: ‘He doesn’t come across as a strong leader.’

He said he still admires America but fears that he ‘may not be welcome’ there any longer. ‘The reaction to the election of Donald Trump may have been overdone, but it represents a definite swing to a Right- wing, more authoritarian approach,’ he said. ‘I have many friends and colleagues there, and it is still a place I like and admire in many ways.

‘I would like to visit again and to talk to other scientists but I fear that I may not be welcome.’

Professor Hawking also claimed that leaving Europe ‘ threatens Britain’s status as a world leader in science and innovation’.