Britain is a haven of stability in an uncertain world as this government makes the UK the premier destination for global investment, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will tell global business and investors in Davos.
The government will also double down on this position of strength with new plans to attract the world’s brightest minds in AI, life sciences and clean energy, which were set to be unveiled as the Chancellor takes the stage at Bloomberg House this afternoon. In a drive to make the UK the destination of choice for top global talent shaping the future, the Chancellor was also set to announce reimbursing visa fees for select trailblazers in deep tech sectors and those joining the most promising UK companies in priority sectors. Global companies will also find it quicker to expand in Britain via a new offer to fast-track their sponsor licenses.
This comes as the government replaces a broken immigration system built on cheap overseas labour with one that welcomes the world’s brightest and best. The Home Secretary has also set out further fundamental reforms to ensure those who come here contribute and put in more than they take out. Net migration is now at its lowest level in half a decade and has fallen by more than two-thirds under this Government.
The Government will intensify its efforts by doubling its resourcing of its Global Talent Taskforce – this includes bringing in specialist private sector head-hunting expertise, establishing new functions to support individuals to relocate and companies to set up UK offices at pace, and emboldening its concierge offer to the world’s elite talent, starting with a dedicated focus on international AI talent. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “In a volatile world Britain stands out.
“This government is making sure Britain is home to the stability, talent and capital that businesses and investors want and that drive greater growth. Some countries give you a platform, but Britain gives you momentum. My message at Davos this week is clear: choose Britain – it's the best place in the world to invest.”
The ‘Team UK’ delegation, which includes Business Secretary Peter Kyle, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Minister for Investment Lord Stockwood were also sending a clear message as they pitched UK strengths to a global audience: Britain’s blend of business conditions and talent drives momentum that lasts. They will highlight that in a volatile world, this government is giving international investors exactly what they need most: stability, predictability and a clear long-term plan under the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy so they can commit capital with confidence. Ministers will also emphasise their commitment to protecting and strengthening British industry – from steel and aerospace to life sciences and clean tech – ensuring the UK can make, build and buy more at home while remaining open to global investment and trade.
The Chancellor arrives at Davos fresh from announcing the biggest transport investment in the north of England in a generation and will point to recent successes in the UK economy – securing £340bn private investment in 18 months, the FTSE reaching record highs, and six interest rate cuts since the election - the fastest pace of cuts in 17 years. Throughout the week, the Chancellor will meet the world’s top business leaders and investors including Mario Greco of Zurich Insurance, Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone Inc, and Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan. She will appear on a World Economic Forum public panel under the 2026 theme “A Spirit of Dialogue”.
Business and Trade Secretary, Peter Kyle said: “We are positioning the UK as the destination of choice for the brightest minds and innovators as we strive to lead the global race for talent.
“By attracting leaders in AI, quantum, life sciences, and clean energy, we will drive growth, innovation and make the UK the premier launchpad for the world’s best entrepreneurs.” The UK has all the ingredients for exceptional talent to thrive – global connectivity, a flourishing research and academic ecosystem, rule of law, £10 trillion of capital and a competitive tax regime. Today’s new package of talent measures will help make the UK the first choice for top talent coming to work, study and build businesses, in line with the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Researchers and academics in sectors such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors will benefit from visa fee reimbursements, so they can more easily come to the UK and drive innovation. In addition, new scholarships to study at UK universities will be made available for International Mathematical Olympiad gold medallists, including internships with world leading research teams, startups and labs, coordinated by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency. Top science and research talent are already flowing into the UK, with four new hires working on neuroscience, tackling online disinformation, and more, announced today by the £54 million Global Talent Fund.
The fund recruits the world's leading science and research talent to the UK and is part of the Government’s commitment to spend £5 billion spending on top science and research talent over the Spending Review period. The Chancellor will close the event by committing to continue to explore how best to attract and retain the world’s top talent.