"I would truly appreciate a knowledgeable opinion on this,..."
Can't see this is really complicated - it's "Simples" as Alexander is known for commenting.
When the UK government (or any reputable source of significance), dumps a bit of dosh some place, it signals support and that in turn says "This project is worthwhile, deserves support and has potential".
Otherwise you open yourself up to ridicule for foolishly squandering public assets. No government wants that reputation haunting them and hindering their reelection chance, do they?
