The government has announced a package of science and technology collaborations with Japan.

The collaborations cover life sciences, quantum and connectivity tech and will look at developing cures for rare genetic diseases and bringing ultra-fast mobile coverage to every part of the UK.

Orchard Therapeutics, the UK subsidiary of Japanese company Kyowa Kirin, is set to invest around £11 million in the UK. The funding will go towards the discovery of new drugs which could treat and beat diseases.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: "These announcements, covering life sciences, quantum and more, spotlight some of the key science-driven industries in which the UK and Japan are working together. The prizes on offer include new therapies for diseases that were previously considered untreatable, and critical infrastructure for the digital age.

"It’s crucial that British and Japanese scientific and commercial partnerships continue to flourish, so we can grow our economies, create jobs, and give hope to patients battling some of the cruellest diseases."