Theresa May to meet Shinzo Abe as UK announces £30m research collaboration with Japan

Asian powerhouse set to lift export ban on British beef and lamb

Shinzo Abe will meet with Theresa May on Thursday (Getty )

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe will meet Theresa May in Downing Street on Thursday, as Britain pushes to strengthen its trade ties with the Asian country before Brexit.

The two nations will announce a collaboration on medical research, robotics and the use of data, with £30m pledged in initial funding.

Officials hope that the programme will allow researchers from both nations to collaborate on finding new treatments for illnesses such as dementia, as well as on developing greener transport and technological solutions to improve people's quality of life.

Downing Street said wider adoption of such technology could create 175,000 new jobs and boost the UK manufacturing sector by £455bn over the next decade.

Ahead of the visit the UK also announced that Mr Abe's administration will remove Japan's existing export ban on British beef and lamb. The restriction has been in place since 1996.

"It is great news that British beef and lamb will be available on supermarket shelves and restaurant menus for the first time in more than 20 years," Dr Liam Fox, the international trade secretary, said.

"This will give a £127m boost to farmers and food producers across the whole of the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Welsh Valleys."

“The UK and Japan are among the strongest champions of free trade and we look forward to an even closer trading relationship as we leave the European Union."

Mr Abe is expected to reiterate Japan's commitment to a bilateral trade deal with the UK during the talks at Downing Street.

In October the Japanese prime minister said he would welcome Britain with "open arms" into the the trans-Pacific trade after Brexit.

“The UK and Japan are natural partners. We face many of the same challenges, But also the same immense opportunities," Ms May said.

"By agreeing to forge a new, dynamic partnership, we not only back some of the most cutting-edge sectors in our economy, but will also improve people’s lives and shape the 21st Century for the better. This is our modern Industrial Strategy in action.

“As the UK prepares to leave the EU, we raise our horizons towards the rest of the world.

"Our relationship with Japan is stronger than ever, and this visit will enhance co-operation in a wide range of areas. From trade and investment, to science and innovation, and our unwavering commitment to defence and security - the close bond between our nations will help us achieve our shared goals.”

Mr Abe will receive a military Guard of Honour during his trip.

Alongside Ms May he will also attend a briefing chaired by Ben Wallace, the security minister, during which senior representatives from the emergency services will share the UK’s experience of hosting large international events.

"World attention is focused on the UK's exit from the EU," Mr Abe said, as he departed for Europe on Wednesday.

"Precisely because of this problem, it is very meaningful for me to visit the UK and exchange opinions. I want to properly convey Japan's thinking."