Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government why a grant of £8 million was recently paid to Vertical Aerospace to develop a flying taxi company at a time when the firm faced material uncertainty.

A research consortium led by Vertical Aerospace, including four universities, was awarded an Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme grant to develop propeller technology.

The ATI Programme co-funds UK research and development activity with industry to develop zero-carbon and ultra-efficient aircraft technology. Grants are awarded after a competitive process, with only the best projects recommended - those that offer real innovation, emissions reduction and tangible economic benefits to the UK.

Due diligence checks are completed ahead of all awards, with grants paid in arrears based on activity delivered against an agreed plan. Safeguards are in place in the event of business failure.