Japanese businesses are committing to invest nearly £18 billion in the UK, Rishi Sunak has announced as he meets the bosses of major firms in Tokyo.The Prime Minister said the pledges are a "massive vote of confidence" in the British economy after he painted an optimistic outlook for the national finances.But Mr Sunak has ordered talks with the EU about automotive concerns, following warnings of an "existential threat" posed by a looming Brexit trade deal deadline.

Japanese businesses are committing to invest nearly £18 billion in the UK, Rishi Sunak has announced as he meets the bosses of major firms in Tokyo.The Prime Minister said the pledges are a "massive vote of confidence" in the British economy after he painted an optimistic outlook for the national finances.But Mr Sunak has ordered talks with the EU about automotive concerns, following warnings of an "existential threat" posed by a looming Brexit trade deal deadline.