Westminster goes weightless

摘要

In a surprising but frank debate, Dr Phillip Lee, vice-chairman of the parliamentary space committee recently raised issues in the House of Commons about the value to the British economy of microgravity research in space. Reminding members that the UK space industry is growing at around 10% per annum, he urged that this activity should be at the forefront of government investment, citing discussion with Tim Peake about this opportunity to achieve for Britain a European lead. In a brilliant spark of 'conservative' gallery-speak, Dr Lee unashamedly stated that he would explain microgravity for the benefit of viewers tuning in to BBC Parliament! This sort of public relations awareness is to be admired.