EU to block UK's access to Galileo satellite programme after Brexit

British taxpayers have already contributed more than 1bn to satellite navigation system

The EU's member states have backed officials in Brussels in their attempt to block the UK from achieving its post-Brexit goal of unrestricted access to the Galileo satellite programme to which British taxpayers have paid more than 1bn.

Despite some concerns about the high-handed manner of their approach to the UK, European commission officials secured support from the 27 member states during a meeting on Tuesday.