Member

We were nearly there when Brexit happened. The Government were almost set up to install EGNOS, allowing the connection with the satellites, and to encourage operators of small planes to install the comparatively cheap equipment in their craft. I remember calling the European Commission at the time and asking what it would take if we continued with EGNOS as a separate cost outside the European Union—Jersey has EGNOS and it works very well. The answer I got then, which was probably eight years ago, was that it would cost about £32 million a year to cover the whole country. Of course, when the whole country is covered, it covers all airports—not that you would use it at Heathrow or Gatwick, probably, but it would still be there. It is essential when you are unable to have ground connections, in places such as the Scottish islands or Scilly. In those places there is nowhere to put the ground connection because it would be in the sea, and I do not think it would work very well. My amendment is designed to put pressure on the Government. Will they reopen negotiations on EGNOS?