Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a significant drive to boost Britain’s AI infrastructure, research, and industrial capacity at London Tech Week’s opening yesterday. The initiative aims to position the UK as an “AI maker, not an AI taker.”

Starmer, who gave the London Tech Week welcome presentation, hailed the initiative as “a huge vote of confidence for the UK,” emphasising the potential impact of AI on public services like hospitals and education. He described the broader implications of the technology for British society, stating: “AI and tech make us more human, and it is making a huge difference for working people.”

The Prime Minister underscored the vital need for increased computing investment in the UK to build AI infrastructure. He also announced a new “tech-first training program” designed to train up to one million young people, aiming to make a “step change in how much homegrown talent we have.”

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle welcomed the announcements, calling infrastructure “central” to the government’s AI strategy. Starmer confirmed he has asked every government department to consider how AI and technology can transform their operations.

In financial services, the Financial Conduct Authority plans to deploy an AI-powered ‘digital sandbox’ to allow for safe testing of new technologies. Barclays Eagle Labs also announced an innovation hub in the capital, focused on AI and deep tech startups.

UK universities are central to the broader strategy, with collaborations like the JADE consortium – involving Oxford University, the Turing Institute, and 20 other institutions – utilising advanced technologies for AI development and safety research.

Starmer highlighted that “AI is not just a technology issue; it is infrastructure – it supports healthcare, government, education, manufacturing, and financial services.” He thanked the tech sector, acknowledging its role in shaping Britain’s future economy and supporting over two million jobs.

Image source: Gov.uk