The UK government has unveiled its AI Opportunities Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to leverage artificial intelligence across public and private sectors to drive economic growth and streamline public services. The initiative, which is supported by leading technology firms, promises to position the UK as a global leader in AI innovation.
The plan, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is projected to generate 13,250 jobs and includes a £14bn commitment from companies like Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl. The investments will fuel AI infrastructure projects, including a major data centre campus in Wales and an AI hub in Liverpool, as well as support the creation of a National Data Library to safeguard public data.
"AI has the potential to transform the lives of working people and will drive incredible change in our country," said Sir Keir. Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the UK’s ambition to create tech giants on par with global leaders like Google and Amazon, while retaining British innovation at home.
The government estimates that embracing AI could contribute £47bn annually to the UK economy over the next decade. AI is already being applied in hospitals for cancer diagnoses and will be expanded to other public services, including education and infrastructure.
AI cameras will be deployed nationwide to monitor and address road maintenance issues like potholes. Teachers and small business owners are also set to benefit from AI tools for administrative tasks such as planning and record-keeping.
Several AI Growth Zones will be established to attract investment and generate employment. The first zone will be in Culham, Oxfordshire, with others to be announced later this year, particularly in areas hit by industrial decline. These zones will feature expedited planning approvals to support rapid infrastructure development.
While the government highlights AI's transformative potential, critics, including the opposition Conservatives, argue the plan falls short of making the UK a tech superpower. Shadow Science Secretary Alan Mak accused the government of "delivering analogue government in a digital age," citing cuts to AI research funding.
In contrast, Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the initiative, calling AI a "powerful tool" for boosting the economy and improving living standards.
In addition to the government’s efforts, tech companies are playing a pivotal role:
The government is also creating an AI Energy Council to manage the sector's energy demands.
