Google has announced a 5 billion ($6.8 billion) investment in the United Kingdom, marking a major boost ahead of U.S. President Donald Trumps state visit. The funding includes the launch of a new data centre near London,

Google also noted that the project also includes measures to address energy demand, such as an agreement with Shell Energy Europe.

Google was first out of the blocks today with a £5bn investment in the UK, as a flurry of announcements are expected during Trump's state visit.

Google has said it will invest £5 billion in the UK in the next two years to help meet growing demand for AI services, in a major boost for the Government. The announcement, which comes as Google opens its new data centre in Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, is expected to contribute to the creation of thousands of jobs, the US tech giant said.

LONDON: Google said on Tuesday (Sep 16) it would make 5 billion pounds (US$6.8 billion) in new investments into Britain ahead of US President Donald Trump's state visit to the country, which is expected to feature a flurry of business deals and partnerships.

The UK has shelved its talks with the US aimed at eliminating tariffs on British steel, in a recognition that giving Donald Trump the honor of a rare second state visit wouldn’t be enough to shake the American president off a key trade stance.