Oracle Plans $5 Billion Investment in UK Cloud Infrastructure

Oracle has announced a $5 billion investment plan over the next five years to expand its Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) in the UK, aligning with the government's goals for AI innovation and adoption. This investment is expected to meet the growing demand for cloud services in the country and help position the UK as a leading AI superpower, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing the potential economic benefits of AI. The UK currently ranks third globally in AI, and Starmer's administration estimates that AI could add £47 billion ($61 billion) annually to the economy over the next decade. Larry Ellison, Oracle's co-founder, has a close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, with ongoing discussions about a post-Brexit trade deal. The investment is also part of a larger strategy by Oracle to enhance its cloud capacity, with plans to double its infrastructure this year and triple it by 2026. However, there are concerns about potential job losses due to AI implementation, which the UK government is addressing through regulatory adjustments.