It would be nice to believe that, RP.
But as it stands, it seems that whoever made this decision did so without access to information about alternatives, other than what they could read in the papers, because they didn't ask.
It also is apparent that unless a deal has been negotiated secretly and absent top-level government approval, the U.K. is now about to say to Boeing: "We've decided to buy the plane, how much does it cost?"
But I'm sure it will work out fine and tickety-
ing-boo in the end.