‘Pull finger out’ on promised space strategy plan, PM urged

BORIS JOHNSON is being urged to set up a national space programme to start delivering on his promise of an ambitious national space strategy.

A senior UK space industry source urged the Government to “pull their finger out” in next week’s budget to prevent the country from falling behind other developed nations.

Last week it emerged that Mr Johnson’s plans for a UK satellite navigation system had been delayed amid disagreements about the scope and costs of the project.

A report issued by UKspace, the trade body, warns that without a new sovereign system, British firms would “become dependent on other nations for position, navigation and timing services that underpin our critical national infrastructure”.

The report also claims that the industry could create more than 15,000 new “green jobs” by 2030 if the Government agreed to a £150million-ayear “innovation fund”.

It states: “The new jobs will only be created in the UK if the Government is prepared to invest in the space sector.

“Policymakers must support our critical national infrastructure and security, while ... setting a more ambitious agenda for this vital part of our economy. We are therefore calling on policymakers to support a number of specific actions and recommendations.”

Last year’s Queen’s Speech included a commitment to an “ambitious national space strategy”. Mr Johnson, speaking in Downing Street last summer, said: “Let’s get going now on our own ... systems – UK assets orbiting in space with all the long term strategic and commercial benefits for this country.”

The space industry source said: “The ambition is there from No10 but they need to pull their finger out in the Budget and make something happen.”