Prime Minister, Keir Starmer MP, has announced plans to make the United Kingdom a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), committing to pro-innovation regulation, expanded access to public data, and the development of dedicated data centre zones. Speaking at University College London on Monday 13 January, Starmer emphasised AI’s potential to drive economic growth and improve public services, declaring, “Britain will be one of the great AI superpowers.” The Government estimates that AI could boost productivity by 1.5% annually, adding £47 billion ($57 billion) to the economy each year over the next decade. To achieve this, Starmer promised a “pro-growth and pro-innovation” regulatory approach, enabling Britain to set its own direction post-Brexit. He also pledged to test and understand AI thoroughly before implementing proportionate regulations. Key initiatives include the creation of a National Data Library, making public data accessible to researchers under trusted copyright rules, and adopting all 50 recommendations from the “AI Opportunities Action Plan” by venture capitalist Matt Clifford. These measures include streamlining planning and energy access for data centres, with the first such facility to be built in Culham, Oxfordshire. Starmer highlighted AI’s potential to transform daily life, from reducing administrative burdens for doctors and teachers to helping small businesses and accelerating planning processes. With Britain already ranked third globally in AI investment and patents, behind only the United States and China, the Prime Minister’s strategy aims to strengthen the UK’s position in the global AI race. More information is included in the link.