It would be a victory for dark, regressive forces if, as a consequence of Brexit, Britain was excluded from the European Union’s €10bn Galileo satellite navigation project. As he arrived in Brussels yesterday, UK chancellor Philip Hammond warned that the UK will build a satellite navigation system to rival Galileo if Brussels blocks access. In some setting, this may play out as a fine example of the bulldog spirit, but in a joined-up, grown-up world it looks like another example of Tory delusion. Despite that, Royal Irish Academy president Professor Peter Kennedy warned yesterday that Ireland’s research links with the UK must be protected in any post-Brexit deal. In a stable, settled world, that position is undeniable, but as Brexit negotiations approach a deadline, it seems that realpolitik will prevail.

Source: Irish Examiner May 25, 2018 22:52 UTC