MEP urges businesses to reach for the stars
February 7, 2012 1:16 PM
Originally published by Fiona Hall MEP
Originally published by Fiona Hall MEP
North East businesses should reach for the stars and grab a piece of the £1.3bn SKA project to build the world's largest telescope, according to local Euro MP Fiona Hall.
A leading engineer from the project will be in the region this week for the Spacetec conference and is encouraging companies to set their sights on the lucrative space industry.
Fiona Hall, meanwhile, has tabled a Written Declaration in the European Parliament calling for greater co-operation on space research in a move that could bolster the SKA project.
Fiona said:
"A giant telescope being built on another continent may seem light years away from the issue of jobs in the North East, but space technology is a £7.5bn industry in the UK alone and our region should be grabbing a sizeable piece of that.
"We have great expertise in manufacturing as well as leading research institutions. The fact we have one of SKA's key engineers in the region courting local firms is proof of the high esteem in which the North East workforce is held.
"Obviously, on a project of this scale, international co-operation is key. That's why I'm working in the European Parliament for greater collaboration between the EU and Africa, where the SKA telescope will hopefully be located. This will help open up opportunities for areas like ours.
"Space research may not be the first thing people think of when looking for ways to boost the regional economy but there is the real potential for many, highly-skilled jobs to be created."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats