first launchers gear up for a historic blast-off?
Really?
The UK had space launch ability about 60 years ago but the US persuaded them to give it up. The only country to give up space.
Same applies to UK Nukes. USA persuaded them to give it up. Also UK is the only country to give up their nukes. All bought/rented from the USA for the last 60+ years.
The UK, esp. Scotland is so far north that only transpolar and LEO is viable. There is a good reason why even the Russians and US use Europe's Space port in South America, near the Equator. Also Canada and other non-EU countries are ESA members. While the EU contributes, not all EU countries are in the ESA.
Those folk in Surrey do great satellites, but likely they will move due to Brexit.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
