On Monday 13 January 2025, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his intention to make the UK an artificial intelligence (AI) ‘superpower’, and that AI will be ‘mainlined into the veins’ of the nation.
The government says the technology could bring the UK’s economy an extra £47 billion annually over the next decade, increasing productivity by 1.5% a year.
In his speech Starmer stated “We’re going to make the breakthroughs, we’re going to create the wealth, and we’re going to make AI work for everyone in our country.” He made clear his intention to make AI “work for working people”.
What is the plan for the UK and AI?
Across the globe, countries are competing to become the next big AI hub, while trying to balance the need for restrictions with this kind of technology.
The UK is behind the U.S. and China in regards to artificial intelligence, and Starmer’s announcement seems to want to combat that.
Starmer said the UK would chart a “pro-growth and pro-innovation” course. “We will test and understand AI before we regulate it to make sure that when we do it, it’s proportionate and grounded.”
Starmer’s action plan is to swiftly increase the amount of AI computing power under public control by 2030 and utilize AI for everything from spotting potholes, to aiding the NHS, to giving teachers the time to teach.
The government stated they would also adopt the 50 recommendations set out in venture capitalist Matt Clifford’s report, the “AI Opportunities Action Plan”.
This includes creating AI ‘growth zones’, focusing on making it easier to build data centres in specific areas and giving these centres energy connections.
The government plan also includes a scheme to have a National Data Library which could be used to train AI models, including anonymised NHS data which will be available for ‘researchers and innovators’.
The government says there would be “strong privacy-preserving safeguards” and the data would never be owned by private companies, in an attempt to get ahead of the potential criticisms of this scheme.
The government aims to cement the UK as a leader in AI, and while promising regulations, is also focused on growth.
What does this mean for the future?
Starmer said “Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change”, referring to the promises he made before Labour came into power.
Ministers believe AI can help tackle the UK’s stagnating economic growth and deliver a needed economic boost, as well as help stabilise the economy in the long term with AI development.
This plan represents a shift from the UK government, which had previously looked at tackling the more serious risks from AI, involving cybersecurity, disinformation, environmental impacts and bioweapons.
Starmer himself in October 2023 was more concerned with safety and caution than with growth, but it seems the government has decided to enter the AI arms race. This change in approach makes it evident that AI is here to stay in the UK.
Starmer stated that artificial intelligence could significantly enhance people’s lives, supporting small businesses and alleviating administrative pressures on healthcare professionals and teachers.
It is clear from this announcement that AI is going to be a significant part of the future of governance in the UK. This means it’s more important than ever to understand what this technology can do for you.
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