Keir Starmer has emphasised the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), describing it as a game-changer for working lives and public services in Britain.
“AI is not a thing of the future—it is already here in Britain, revolutionising lives. It presents an opportunity to accelerate growth, build future-ready companies, and significantly enhance our public services,” the Prime Minister declared in a speech delivered in London.
He outlined specific benefits of AI, stating: “AI can assist teachers in crafting lessons tailored to children’s individual needs.”
“It can tackle long waiting times in healthcare by predicting no-shows and offering more convenient appointments to those in need.”
“AI has the potential to detect potholes, expedite planning permissions, simplify job centre applications, combat tax evasion, and free up social workers by reducing paperwork.”
The Prime Minister also reiterated his commitment to establishing the UK as an AI superpower, cautioning that the “global race for the jobs of tomorrow is already underway.”
Starmer unveiled the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which has garnered robust support from leading tech companies, pledging a combined £14 billion in investments for cutting-edge projects.
Major Investments in AI
Vantage Data Centres plans to inject over £12 billion into data centres across the UK, including the development of one of Europe’s largest data centre campuses in Wales.
Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, has committed to supporting the rollout of AI nationwide. It aims to create up to 1,000 AI-related jobs in Liverpool within the next three years.
UK-based AI company Nscale has announced a $2.5 billion investment to bolster the nation’s data centre infrastructure.
The firm is set to deliver the largest UK sovereign AI data centre by 2026.
Starmer concluded by stressing the urgency of the moment: “We are in the global race of our lives to lead in artificial intelligence.”
This ambitious plan cements the UK’s position as a hub for AI innovation, aiming to future-proof the economy and redefine public services for generations to come.
