UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ex-British PMs Tony Blair and Nick Clegg hosted a private dinner giving six tech leaders access to a UK minister, raising questions over TBI’s influence.
As reported by The Guardian, official documents reveal Tony Blair and Nick Clegg held a private dinner this year, giving tech leaders access to a key UK minister, Poppy Gustafsson.
As the Tony Blair Institute head, Mr Blair organized a London dinner highlighting his support for tech leaders.
How did Tony Blair and Nick Clegg give tech leaders minister access?
Tony Blair and Nick Clegg, then a Meta executive, hosted six tech leaders to meet Poppy Gustafsson, the government’s investment minister promoting business in Britain.
Mr Blair strongly supports technology’s power to transform struggling public services and has cultivated ties with industry leaders. His consultancy has promoted this vision, publishing policy papers urging AI to be central to government.
Critics raise concerns that Mr Blair, close to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, may be influencing the agenda with limited scrutiny. Questions have emerged over Blair’s consultancy relying on donations from Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison, linked to US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Larry Ellison, who briefly topped the world’s wealth rankings this year, has contributed or pledged over $300 million to Mr Blair’s consultancy.
According to papers released under the Freedom of Information, 12 guests reviewed the government’s AI policies at a “salon dinner.”
The January dinner at London’s five-star Corinthia hotel included Lonne Jaffe, managing director of US venture capital firm Insight Partners.
The guests included Alex Kendall, Wayve CEO; Nigel Toon of Graphcore; and Marc Warner of Faculty AI, which co-published AI guidance on public service improvements with TBI.
What did Nick Clegg and TBI say about the private tech dinner?
A spokesperson for Nick Clegg, Meta’s president for global affairs and co-host of the dinner, stated.
“During his time at Meta, Nick Clegg regularly met with government ministers and leaders from other tech companies. As the executive responsible for policy and global affairs that was literally his job.”
A TBI spokesperson added,
“This event was a discussion about a range of issues between tech leaders with a minister in attendance. No company paid to attend.”
Representatives at the event confirmed they had no financial ties to TBI.
How did Tony Blair’s consultancy get early access to government AI plans?
TBI used the dinner to advance its tech-focused agenda, now operating in 45 countries with over 900 staff. The consultancy reported $145m in 2022, from advisory fees and donations, with many donors and clients remaining undisclosed.
TBI has faced criticism for shaping policy to suit donor interests, an allegation it denies. It also faced backlash for taking Saudi funds following Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Blair is expected to lead efforts in postwar Gaza reconstruction.
Days before its planned release, the government shared a confidential AI action plan with TBI. Its science policy director, Jakob Mokander, held a meeting with DSIT minister Feryal Clark on 9 January at her request.
A day later, an aide to Clark sent an email to Mokander,
“It was great talking to you yesterday. As a follow-up please see this confidential summary of the action plan. Thank you for agreeing to amplify publication of the plan on Monday through your network and supportive quotes.”
Mokander responded,
“Thank you for sharing the action plan (confidentiality noted).”
Mr Blair endorsed the AI action plan, which aims to expand the UK’s role in developing and deploying artificial intelligence, when it was published on 13 January.
What did DSIT and TBI say about early access to the AI plan?
When asked why TBI was given early access to the document, a DSIT spokesperson responded,
“We make no apologies for regularly engaging with stakeholders. It is standard practice to share embargoed information with them ahead of announcements.”
The TBI spokesperson stated,
“It is standard practice for governments to consult experts and engage a wide range of stakeholders when shaping policy. The AI opportunities action plan rightly drew on our published work, as the footnotes make clear.”
What did Keir Starmer say about Britain’s AI plans and future?
Keir Starmer stated, “
Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people.”
The prime minister said,
“But the AI industry needs a government that is on their side, one that won’t sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race.”
Mr Starmer added,
“Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change. That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services. That’s the change this government is delivering.”
Rachel Reeves’ views on the government’s AI plans
Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated,
“AI is a powerful tool that will help grow our economy, make our public services more efficient and open up new opportunities to help improve living standards.”
She added,
“This action plan is the government’s modern industrial strategy in action. Attracting AI businesses to the UK, bringing in new investment, creating new jobs and turbocharging our Plan for Change. This means better living standards in every part of the United Kingdom and working people have more money in their pocket.”
Tony Blair’s role in Gaza’s peace and reconstruction plan
Tony Blair has been named the first official member of a new “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Donald Trump, which is tasked with temporarily overseeing Gaza’s governance as part of a US initiative to end the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He is expected to lead or play a key role in a transitional international authority, possibly called the Gaza International Transitional Authority. It would manage Gaza’s administration, reconstruction, security, and humanitarian aid under a UN mandate until local governance is restored.
Mr Blair’s appointment is controversial due to his past role in the Iraq War. He is recognized for his peace diplomacy skills from the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement and his past involvement as a Quartet envoy on Middle East peace.
