Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to announce a major £400 million package of international deals for British industry, delivering a significant boost to UK manufacturing and engineering sectors.
Global Partnerships for UK Growth
Speaking at the G20 summit in South Africa, the Prime Minister will champion a series of landmark agreements spanning the rail, aviation, and defence industries. Mr Starmer stated that collaborating with global partners "is a one-way ticket to growth" for the UK economy, a strategy aimed at creating skilled jobs and driving down the cost of living.
The whirlwind diplomatic trip, which comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's pivotal Budget next week, includes a visit to a train depot in Johannesburg to see rolling stock built in Derby.
Key Deals Powering British Industry
A central part of the announcement is a new UK-South Africa pact where Crossrail International, owned by the UK Government, will provide strategic advice to overhaul the South African rail network and attract private investment.
In a parallel move, the UK will partner with Vietnam to lead a digital transformation of its railway system. Furthermore, British Steel has secured a contract to supply £35 million of products for Turkey's high-speed rail network.
The aviation sector also gains, with Rolls-Royce finalising a deal to supply new jet engines to Air Algerie. The defence industry sees a breakthrough as the UK, through British firm Babcock, wins an initial contract to assess the operational readiness of the South African Navy's Type 209 submarines and perform deep maintenance on at least one vessel.
Cutting Red Tape and Future Prospects
Beyond the immediate deals, a new UK-South Africa agreement to cut red tape is projected to add between £400 million and £700 million to British businesses over the next five years.
A Downing Street spokesperson emphasised the government's focus, stating: "The Prime Minister has made clear that he's laser focused on delivering for those at home through our strength and partnerships abroad." This international push is framed as a direct driver of domestic opportunity and economic security.
