Google plans for ten-storey office are 'vote of confidence' in UK

Google has confirmed plans for a new purpose-built UK site in a decision hailed by the Government as a vote of confidence in the economy after the Brexit vote.

The technology giant said the ten-storey office at King's Cross in north London would be the first wholly-owned and designed Google building outside the United States

It will sit alongside current headquarters at the site to create a campus capable of housing 7,000 employees.

Google currently employs around 4,000 people in the UK.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said: "It's further proof that Britain is open for business and that we continue to be an outward looking, world-leading nation."

Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said: "We are committed to the UK and excited to continue our investment in our new King's Cross campus."

London mayor Sadiq Khan said: "This is a vote of confidence in our great city - creating high-skilled jobs, supporting growth and demonstrating that London is open to business, new investment and talent from around the globe.

"Investment into the capital post-Brexit remains robust, so Google's expansion will further strengthen our city's reputation as a global leader in digital technology."

It is the latest corporate announcement of a big commitment in the UK after Nissan said it would build two new car models at its plant in Sunderland.

Google has been mired in controversy over its UK tax affairs.

An agreement earlier this year to pay £130m in back taxes was criticised as "derisory".