Google on Tuesday announced a $6.8 billion investment into British AI infrastructure and scientific research over the next two years.

Google has announced a $6.8 billion investment into British AI on Tuesday, the money will be used for infrastructure and scientific research over the next two years. Photo by EPA/ Hannibal Hanschke UPI

Sept. 16 (UPI) -- Google on Tuesday announced a $6.8 billion investment into British AI infrastructure and scientific research over the next two years.

The news came as Chancellor Rachel Reeves was onsite for the opening of a Google data center in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, which will be expanded under the new funding.

Reeves on Tuesday said the latest investment by Google was "a powerful vote of confidence in the U.K. economy and the strength of our partnership with the U.S., creating jobs and economic growth for years to come."

"This government is reversing decades of underinvestment that has held us back for too long, by slashing burdensome red tape, delivering bold reforms of the planning system and investing in better tech to unlock better jobs and opportunities. Through our Plan for Change we are building an economy that works for, and rewards, working people," she said.

The investment will also include funding for DeepMind, an AI-focused advanced scientific research by Sir Demis Hassabis.

"The U.K. has a rich history of being at the forefront of technology -- from Lovelace to Babbage to Turing -- so it's fitting that we're continuing that legacy by investing in the next wave of innovation and scientific discovery in the U.K.," said Hassasbis.