A significant US-UK investment surge is now underway. This follows high-profile pledges from American companies. Consequently, the UK government has secured £150bn in commitments. This announcement coincides with President Trump’s state visit. Moreover, it offers a major economic boost.
Therefore, tech giants Microsoft and Google are leading the charge. Additionally, private equity firm Blackstone has made a huge pledge. Importantly, the government hopes this will create 7,600 new jobs. This US-UK investment surge arrives after a difficult period. Recently, major pharmaceutical firms scrapped UK investment plans. They decided to redirect their spending to the United States instead.
Furthermore, Sir Keir Starmer and President Trump will meet investors. They will gather at Chequers on Thursday. Their discussion will focus on economic ties. They will also explore future collaborations. Starmer welcomed the new investments enthusiastically. He called them a testament to Britain’s economic strength. He also said they signal an ambitious and open country.
The vast majority of funding comes from Blackstone. The firm pledged £90bn over the next decade. This commitment is part of a larger European plan. Microsoft promised to spend £22bn within four years. Google will invest £5bn over two years. This money will expand a Hertfordshire data centre.
However, recent national employment data shows a decline. UK payrolls fell by 127,000 in the year to August. Meanwhile, the life sciences sector faced several blows. US giant Merck canceled a £1bn investment plan. It blamed successive governments for undervaluing medicines. Instead, Merck will move research to the US. AstraZeneca then paused a £200m Cambridge project. That project was expected to create 1,000 jobs. It also switched its investment focus to America.
So where is all the new investment going? Blackstone’s huge sum adds to a previous £10bn pledge. That money is for UK data centre development. Prologis will invest £3.9bn into life sciences. Palantir will invest up to £1.5bn in defence innovation.
This should create 350 new jobs. American tech company Amentum plans to create over 3,000 jobs. It will expand its UK workforce by more than 50%. Boeing will convert two 737 aircraft in Birmingham. This work is for the US Air Force. It could create 150 high-skilled jobs. STAX engineering firm committed £38m to expand its UK operations.
These 7,600 new jobs will spread across all UK areas. This includes 1,000 new jobs in Belfast. It also includes 6,000 roles from Glasgow to Warrington. Jobs will also come to the Midlands and north-east England. Business Secretary Peter Kyle praised the deal. He said it reflects growing confidence in UK industry.
The government promises real opportunities for working people. These include apprenticeships in clean energy. They also include careers in biotech and AI. This US-UK investment surge sets the stage for a new agreement. The Tech Prosperity Deal will be signed on Thursday. It aims to accelerate new nuclear power in both nations.
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