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<p>The draft Withdrawal Agreement states that ‘where such participation [in an information
exchange, procedure or programme] would grant access to security related security
information that only Member States are to have knowledge of, in such exceptional
circumstances [….] shall be understood as not including the UK’.</p><p> </p><p>We
do not agree that this provision should apply to Galileo. The UK is an integral partner
in the programme through our provision of expertise and value. Both sides are seeking
an arrangement that provides strong EU-UK cooperation in the fields of foreign, security
and defence policy.</p><p> </p><p>We have made clear our desire for the UK’s involvement
in EU space programmes to continue as part of our new security partnership, in a way
that is fair and open to the UK and UK industry. The UK is a world leader in satellite
and secure software technology and expects to discuss all options for future collaboration
in EU space programmes as part of the exit negotiations - including full participation
in Galileo.</p><p> </p><p>This is a view shared by stakeholders in the industry, for
example the Chief Executive of Airbus who recently wrote that ‘Britain and the EU
nations must adopt a more pragmatic stance on flagship space and defence programmes
that seek to enable closer working between militaries. At present the UK faces being
left out, which benefits only those who pose security risks to all of us.’</p><p>
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