Britons are closer to walking on the Moon after Chris Skidmore, the science minister, announced a new partnership between the UK Space Agency and Nasa.

On the 50th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 11, the heads of the two space agencies signed a ‘statement of intent’ agreeing to work together on a future lunar mission.

US vice president Mike Pence has already committed Nasa to landing on the Moon within the next five years and the collaboration could see British technology used in satellite communication and navigation services on the lunar surface.

But Mr Skidmore said he would eventually like to see a Briton on the Moon, as well as the development of a National Space Programme.

Speaking of putting a Briton on the Moon, he said: “I would hope one day that something like that will be possible.

“The first priority is around Earth observation and working for Tim Peake getting back up to the International Space Station (ISS).

“But we know that today’s announcement with Nasa provides for a wider international context and allows for future participation so it paves the way for that.

“There are significant opportunities for collaborations between the UK and US over the next 50 years, and this statement of intent is a welcome step towards future missions.”