Google to Invest £5bn in UK Over Two Years, Creating Thousands of Jobs, Amid Controversy Over US Tech Deal

Google has committed to investing £5 billion in the UK over the next two years, aiming to support the increasing demand for AI services. This pledge is expected to result in the creation of up to 8,250 jobs annually in the UK. The announcement comes as Google opens a new data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. The investment will focus on capital expenditure, research and development, and engineering, with an emphasis on pioneering AI research, particularly through Google’s DeepMind division, which is focused on advancements in science and healthcare. This move is seen as a significant boost to the UK’s AI sector and will support technological breakthroughs and cybersecurity improvements. The investment follows reports that other tech giants, like OpenAI and Nvidia, are also making significant investments in the UK. The news coincides with the state visit of former US President Donald Trump, during which discussions about a potential UK-US tech deal are expected. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from political figures, such as Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who has voiced concerns over the deal, fearing it could lead to tax cuts for tech billionaires and reduced online protections for children. Despite this, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has praised Google’s investment as a strong vote of confidence in the UK economy.