Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI champion and regulator (strong)

Keir Starmer considers Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be hugely transformative and absolutely central to the UK's future, believing it can drive incredible change across the country and benefit working people. He has stated that the government must move fast and take action to ensure the UK wins the global race in this competitive technological field. His administration has publicly endorsed a wide-ranging action plan to boost the UK's role in developing and deploying AI.

This strategy focuses on ensuring the UK can produce its own AI models by significantly increasing public computing power, including the proposed building of a new supercomputer by 2030. Furthermore, the plan emphasizes the importance of data, recommending the creation of a national data library comprising state-controlled data for researchers and companies, potentially including NHS health data and cultural assets. Starmer acknowledges public fears about job displacement and societal impact but counters that AI, when managed correctly, 'makes us more human' by automating routine tasks.

Key government action under Starmer includes rapidly piloting and scaling AI-powered services within the public sector to improve efficiency and citizen outcomes, such as using AI to aid teachers and spot potholes. He has also committed to initiatives to ensure the UK workforce is equipped for the future, including funding to teach school pupils AI skills and a large partnership to train millions of workers on using AI by the end of the decade. Starmer is also focused on the energy demands of AI, setting up an AI energy council to ensure growth zones use 'clean power'.

Context

Keir Starmer's focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is directly tied to his administration's core governing missions, particularly those concerning economic growth and public service reform. As Prime Minister, his stated goal is to implement a 'plan for change' that leverages technology to boost national productivity and improve services like the NHS and the planning system.

His background as a lawyer and former Director of Public Prosecutions suggests a potential emphasis on the regulatory and ethical frameworks surrounding AI, especially concerning data privacy and accountability. The government’s explicit focus on creating a national data library and ensuring data is treated with 'extreme care' reflects this cautious but proactive approach to a technology that relies heavily on data sets.

Actions Taken

  1. Policy implementation
    Endorsed the 'AI Opportunities Action Plan', which includes 50 recommendations to make the UK a world leader in AI.
  2. Infrastructure investment
    Announced plans to increase public AI computing power 20-fold by 2030, including building a new 'supercomputer'.
  3. Data strategy
    Proposed the creation of a national data library, potentially including NHS data, to fuel AI research and development.
  4. Public sector technology
    Announced £1 billion of extra funding for AI compute and a new government AI assistant called 'Extract' to transform the planning system.
  5. Skills and education
    Announced the 'TechFirst' initiative (£187m) to teach school pupils AI skills and a partnership to train 7.5 million UK workers in AI usage by the end of the decade.
  6. Government directive
    Tasked the entire Cabinet with driving AI adoption and growth within their respective departments as a top priority.

Key Quotes

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.

GOV.UK announcement on AI Opportunities Action Plan January 13, 2025 — Setting out the government's initial vision for AI's impact on society and public services.

AI and tech makes us more human.

London Tech Week speech June 9, 2025 — Addressing public scepticism about the impact of AI on jobs and society.

By the end of this parliament we should be able to look every parent in the eye in every region in Britain and say 'look what technology can deliver for you.'

London Tech Week speech June 9, 2025 — Outlining the goal for tangible benefits of technology for families across the UK.

We must move fast and take action to win the global race.

GOV.UK statement January 13, 2025 — Emphasising the need for speed and action in the international AI competition.

Related Positions

  • Infrastructure Investment Starmer has explicitly stated that AI infrastructure, like energy and connectivity, will be a key area for government investment.
  • Public Service Reform The government plans to embed AI across the public sector to improve efficiency, speed up processes, and cut bureaucracy for workers like teachers and social workers.
  • Skills and Education A major pillar of the AI strategy involves training the UK workforce, including school pupils, in AI skills to prepare for future jobs.

Criticism

Critics

Questions have been raised about how much time and money will be required to realise the government's AI vision, particularly given concerns over current borrowing costs.

Elon Musk

Has suggested that Starmer's approach to policing might indicate a failure to protect all communities, a point of criticism potentially relevant to how AI surveillance technologies are deployed.