Keir Starmer
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil a comprehensive 50-point plan aimed at establishing the United Kingdom as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and ushering in a “decade of national renewal.”
The AI Opportunities Action Plan, to be presented in a speech on Monday, focuses on creating AI growth zones designed to accelerate progress and improve living standards. The plan is supported by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, alongside the Prime Minister’s Office, which issued a joint statement on Sunday.
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The first AI growth zone will be launched in Culham, Oxfordshire, and will feature streamlined planning processes for data centres, along with enhanced access to the energy grid.
The plan, which incorporates all 50 recommendations from venture capitalist Matt Clifford’s report commissioned by the Labour Party government last year, also calls for a 20-fold increase in state-owned AI computing capacity. In addition, it proposes the creation of a National Data Library and the establishment of an AI Energy Council.
“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,” Starmer 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.”
Keir Starmer’s announcement comes at a time when his Labour government is facing a decline in support after just six months in power, amid challenging economic conditions.
The UK economy saw zero growth in the third quarter of 2024, raising concerns of a potential second recession within a year.
Starmer’s government has projected that AI could bring in £47 billion ($57 million) annually over the next decade, based on an IMF analysis suggesting the technology could increase productivity by up to 1.5 percentage points per year.
According to the 2023 Global AI Vibrancy Ranking by Stanford University, the UK ranks third globally in AI development, behind China and the US.
“Our plan will make Britain the world leader. It will give the industry the foundation it needs and will turbocharge the Plan for Change,” Starmer said, referring to six milestones he has set out for his government, including raised living standards for households and reduced hospital waiting lists.
“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.”
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