Story perspectives

UK, Japan Seal £18bn Wind, Defence Tech Pact

6/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japan pledged £9 billion for offshore wind and £9 billion for infrastructure, an £18 billion deal announced by Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Sanae Takaichi.
Partnership accelerates the Global Combat Air Program.
Firms will cooperate on AI, quantum, cybersecurity and nuclear technology, and Rolls-Royce tie-up with Japan’s agency.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith praised the deal while slamming Labour’s policies, noting IMF warning that the US-Israel-Iran war could raise UK inflation to 6 %.

History

Historical Context

After leaving the EU on 31 January 2020, the UK secured its first post-Brexit trade deal by signing the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership on 23 October 2020, covering £27.6 billion in goods and services. Building on that precedent, Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Sanae Takaichi announced a new pact to deepen cooperation in offshore wind, AI and defense, while the UK pursues CPTPP membership.

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Story summary

Japan pledged £9 billion for offshore wind and £9 billion for infrastructure, an £18 billion deal announced by Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Sanae Takaichi.
Partnership accelerates the Global Combat Air Program.
Firms will cooperate on AI, quantum, cybersecurity and nuclear technology, and Rolls-Royce tie-up with Japan’s agency.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith praised the deal while slamming Labour’s policies, noting IMF warning that the US-Israel-Iran war could raise UK inflation to 6 %.

1 / 2