UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK government’s AI blueprint, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aims to generate £47bn yearly and create new infrastructure and jobs, with a focus on transforming sectors.
The government revealed on Monday that top tech firms will back the AI Opportunities Action Plan, pledging £14bn for projects and thousands of expected jobs.
The plan outlines growth zones for focused development alongside the use of technology to tackle problems like potholes.
This action proposal to boost the economy comes as the government faces backlash over economic mismanagement. Critics argue that last autumn’s budget hindered growth.
As reported by the BBC, Peter Kyle, the Science and Technology Secretary, said, “I want to make sure that it benefits everyone from every background, that it benefits every community, from every part of the UK.”
What did the Prime Minister say?
Sir Keir Starmer posted on X and stated, “It’s important to me that this Labour government improves your life and your community in ways you actually notice. Al has enormous potential to do that. While the Tories stifled growth and innovation, my government will use Al to turbocharge our Plan for Change.”
It's important to me that this Labour goverment improves your life and your community in ways you actually notice.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 13, 2025
Al has enormous potential to do that.
While the Tories stifled growth and innovation, my government will use Al to turbocharge our Plan for Change.
The Prime Minister argued that AI holds the power to bring remarkable reforms to the country, with the potential to revolutionise the lives of workers across the UK.
In his article for the Financial Times, Sir Keir Starmer unexpectedly highlights the “benefits of Brexit,” suggesting that the UK can create its own course in AI regulation and does not need to adopt the AI models of the US or EU.
How will the British government bring this change?
Matt Clifford, the government’s AI adviser, was tasked with developing a UK action plan for artificial intelligence. He presented 50 recommendations, which are now being implemented.
A major suggestion is that Britain invest in a state-of-the-art supercomputer to enhance computing power. This marks a policy change, as the Labour government had previously cancelled a supercomputer project at Edinburgh University initiated by the previous government.
Treasury deploys AI to write responses to taxpayer inquiries
Chancellor Rachel and other prominent Treasury staff are using artificial intelligence to assist in replying to taxpayers’ emails.
A public briefing note reveals that the software automatically analyses received emails using Chat-GPT technology to precisely identify the content and sort it into categories like “high risk” or “meeting request.”
According to officials, the technology will eliminate several hours of daily manual work for various team members.
How did the Conservative Party respond to the government’s new AI plan?
In remarks on the government’s AI strategy, the Tory party criticised Labour, accusing the opposition of lacking credibility after cutting £1.3bn for AI research and Britain’s first next-gen supercomputer just months before the plan was disclosed.
They argue that Labour’s proposed tech regulations could limit innovation, urging a more balanced approach to ensure progress while maintaining safety.
Tony Blair Institute opinion on the government’s AI action proposal
The Tony Blair Institute, headed by the former prime minister, has expressed support for the government’s AI plan, with Blair himself advocating AI’s potential and urging the public sector to fully utilise the technology.
The director of government innovation at the TBI stated,
“As the prime minister has made clear, AI is no longer an if, or even a when; it is here, and it is urgent. The opportunities for Britain’s economy and our public services are too great for us to ignore. This has to be the government’s priority.”
He added that, according to TBI research, AI could generate up to £40bn a year in productivity gains and cost savings while also improving outcomes and efficiency.
What the AI plan means for you
- AI will assist public sector workers spend less time on admin and more on services.
- New “AI Growth Zones” will be created, bringing big construction projects and jobs.
- AI will use cameras to spot potholes on roads across the UK.
- Teachers and small businesses will use AI for faster planning and record-keeping.
- AI is already helping UK hospitals with quicker cancer diagnoses and will continue to support the NHS.