Story perspectives

Starmer, Japan Seal £18bn Deal; Defence Resignation Rocks Government

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will sign agreements in London.
The agreements include a Rolls-Royce partnership with Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency and a £9 billion offshore wind component within an £18 billion package that promises new jobs.
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over a long-term military funding dispute, adding pressure on Starmer.

History

Historical Context

In 2016, Prime Minister David Cameron and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signed a £2 billion UK-Japan Strategic Partnership, deepening defence and nuclear cooperation. The deal secured Rolls-Royce contracts for four new reactors and pledged 10,000 skilled jobs across Britain and Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency. Today's £18 billion package, featuring a £9 billion offshore wind component and a renewed Rolls-Royce partnership, mirrors that 2016 framework amid Starmer’s domestic funding challenges. The precedent suggests the UK will continue leveraging Japan’s technology to meet climate targets while navigating political turnover in defence ministries.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will sign agreements in London.
The agreements include a Rolls-Royce partnership with Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency and a £9 billion offshore wind component within an £18 billion package that promises new jobs.
Defence Secretary John Healey resigned over a long-term military funding dispute, adding pressure on Starmer.

1 / 2