British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday his vision for the UK to become the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). He pledged to create special zones for data centres and encourage more graduates to pursue technology-related degrees.
Starmer emphasised that AI will be central to his plans for boosting the UK economy, with the government estimating that fully adopting AI could boost productivity by 1.5% annually, adding an extra £47 billion ($57 billion) to the economy over the next decade.
Ahead of Starmer’s speech in London on AI, the government revealed that it would implement all 50 recommendations from the “AI Opportunities Action Plan,” a report by venture capitalist Matt Clifford submitted to the government last year. This includes simplifying the process of building data centres by fast-tracking planning permissions and ensuring energy connections. The first data centre will be constructed in Culham, Oxfordshire, near the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority.
Starmer, in a statement from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, said, “Our plan will make Britain the world leader. That means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets.”
Countries around the world are competing to establish themselves as AI hubs while balancing the need for regulations. The UK ranks as the third-largest AI market globally, behind the US and China, according to Stanford University, based on indicators such as investment and patents.
However, the Labour government’s recent decision to introduce the highest tax-raising budget since 1993 has raised concerns among businesses, and the Bank of England recently reported that the economy did not grow in the last quarter.
Starmer also highlighted the transformative potential of AI, stating that it could revolutionise sectors like planning consultations, small businesses, and education, by reducing administrative burdens for teachers, allowing them to focus more on teaching.
“In a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by,” Starmer will say. “We must move fast and take action.”
