Keir Starmer’s Labour Government Gets a $6.8B Boost from Google’s UK Plan

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has received a substantial $6.80 billion (£5 billion) boost from Google, which has unveiled a major new investment plan for the United Kingdom. This commitment will fund a new data centre, create thousands of jobs, and provide a significant political lift for the government’s economic agenda.
The timing of the announcement, just before a high-profile state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, adds to its importance. It serves as a powerful testament to the success of the government’s strategy to attract private capital to combat a slow-moving economy. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves lauded the move as a “powerful vote of confidence.”
At the heart of the investment is a new data centre in Waltham Cross, designed to support the growing demand for Google’s AI services. This new infrastructure will be a catalyst for job creation, with projections indicating that the investment will help generate 8,250 jobs per year for businesses across Britain.
Google is also weaving sustainability into its expansion plans. A partnership with Shell will support the UK’s energy transition, while the new data centre will feature advanced environmental technologies. These include an air-cooling system to conserve water and a mechanism to recycle waste heat for community benefit.
As the UK and the US prepare to deepen their economic ties with over $10 billion in deals during Trump’s visit, Google’s investment stands out. The company’s goal of achieving nearly 95% carbon-free UK operations by 2026 reinforces its commitment to being a key partner in Britain’s sustainable future.