I thought Skylon was cancelled a long time ago? I'm pretty sure this design will go through simply because the price tag is reasonably low (not much different than the A-380), and being unmanned it appeals to all the right elements involved with aircraft design, and politics.
1.) Those who are obsessed with economics
2.) Those who don't want to take any risks ever
3.) Those who like to push the limits of automation (regardless of whether it's needed)