PRIME Minister Keir Starmer addressed the International Investment Summit today, unveiling his government’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and development. The speech aimed to position the UK as a global leader in AI innovation while emphasising the need for responsible development.
Starmer announced plans to establish legislation that would place requirements on developers of the most powerful AI models. This move aligns with his earlier commitment to strengthen safety frameworks around AI technologies. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of harnessing AI’s potential while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place. He stressed that the UK aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation and addressing potential risks associated with advanced AI systems.
While specific details were limited, Starmer’s speech hinted at several key initiatives:
- Safety Testing: AI companies may be required to conduct safety tests with independent oversight for high-capability systems
- Data Sharing: A potential statutory code could legally require AI companies to share testing data with the government
- Capability Thresholds: Developers might need to inform the government when planning to develop AI systems above certain capability levels
The Prime Minister’s AI strategy has garnered mixed reactions from industry leaders.
Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK, praised the government’s cautious approach: She commented:
“Our Labour government is well-advised to tread carefully [while] capturing those who empower the most powerful AI, ensuring not to close market opportunities or limit UK innovation.”
Paul Henninger, head of connected technology at KPMG UK, welcomed the move towards new legislation. He said:
“Additional guidelines will bring clarity and stability to organisations using the technology, although it is vital that businesses retain enough freedom to experiment and develop innovative new ways to use AI without fear of doing something unknowingly illicit.”.
Dr. Marc Warner, CEO of Faculty AI, cautioned against overregulation: “Whilst tighter rules around frontier systems is sensible, Labour must guard against regulatory overreach. AI has been safely and successfully used for decades – from predicting travel times, spotting bank fraud or reading patient scans.”
Starmer’s speech at the International Investment Summit marks a significant step in defining the UK’s AI policy under the new Labour government. As the proposed legislation takes shape, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government balances its dual objectives of fostering innovation and ensuring responsible AI development. The coming months are likely to see further consultations and discussions as the government works to refine its approach to AI regulation, with the aim of cementing the UK’s position as a global leader in this rapidly evolving field.
