Hawking says ‘yes’ to trip on spaceship

PROFESSOR Stephen Hawking has said he is planning to travel into space on Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic.

The physicist and cosmologist, 75, said he had not expected to have the opportunity to experience space but that the Virgin boss had offered him a seat.

Discussing the meaning of happiness on Good Morning Britain, 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 immediately.”

Host Piers Morgan also quizzed Professor Hawking about Brexit.

The scientist said if the referendum decision must be implemented “it shouldn’t be a hard Brexit as the right wing of the Conservative Party wants”.

“That would leave us isolated and inwardlooking,” he said. “Instead, we should retain as many links as possible with Europe and the rest of the world, particularly China.”