Keir Starmer has framed his address about the UK’s underperforming markets around the potential for AI growth. AI growth talks offset any negative topics in his speech and consolidated Starmer’s plans for the UK to strive to be an AI superpower on the globe stage.
Artificial intelligence is being hailed as a tech innovation that could serve every margin of society from education and the NHS to financial institutions whilst it is a long-term investment. The short term message to those in markets doubting Britain’s growth potential is “mark my words” – a promise that the UK will be birthplace of the best, scalable AI businesses in the world.
The government accepted the Clifford review in full saying it “backs AI to the hilt” and will “mainline AI into the veins” of the entire nation. The threats of AI that often are given the airtime were side-lined today as Starmer outlined Labour’s intention. Computing infrastructure needs to be scaled up by 2030 to allow for promised data centres. As well as wanting to recruit foreign AI workers, UK’s own workforce requires training and a younger generation to join.
The BBC’s Technology Editor, Zoe Kleinman, makes a valid point recalling former PM Rishi Sunak’s backlash for proposing that the age to stop studying maths should be raised to 18, essential if Britain is going to train more engineers and AI experts.
This government has proposed creating several “AI growth zones” around the UK to encourage SME AI businesses, starting in Oxfordshire. Automation across public services will make services more “human”, speed up processes and reduce admin for teachers. With previous governments making promises around AI, Starmer will be the 5th prime minister to set his sights on becoming a global leader. Will it be too soon as the technology is still in its infancy?
Starmer has pledged making a difference to productivity across employment, education and healthcare in less than 5 to 10 years. therefore we can expect the government will make a huge investment in its AI interests.
The opening of 12,000 new data centres will create opportunity whilst changing the “nature of jobs” enabled by AI investments. These tech jobs which did not exist before will only power the digital economy and not replace a valuable workforce.
The UK embodies the “values of democracy, open commerce and the rule of law” for AI tech companies to settle here.
