UK’s Starmer touts plan to ‘turbocharge’ living standards with AI

A 50-point plan to establish the United Kingdom as a “world leader” in artificial intelligence (AI) and launch a “decade of national renewal” is expected to be unveiled by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, set to be outlined in a speech by Starmer on Monday, will create dedicated AI growth zones to “turbocharge growth” and “boost living standards”, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Prime Minister’s Office said in a joint statement on Sunday.

The growth zones, the first of which will be established in Culham, Oxfordshire, will have faster planning approvals for data centres and better access to the energy grid, the statement said.

The blueprint also calls for the establishment of a National Data Library and a specialized AI Energy Council, along with all 50 recommendations made by venture capitalist Matt Clifford in a report released last year by the Labour Party government.

“Our nation will experience profound change thanks to artificial intelligence.” From teachers personalising lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record-keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people”, Starmer said.

However, “the AI industry needs a government that will stand up for what it believes in and not allow opportunities to pass.” And in a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by”.

Starmer’s announcement comes as his Labour government struggles to support support despite sluggish economic conditions for the past six months.

The UK economy experienced a 0% growth in the third quarter of 2024, which raises the possibility that the nation will experience another recession in a year.

According to an analysis by the International Monetary Fund that found the technology could increase productivity by up to 1.5 percentage points annually, Starmer’s government has estimated that AI could generate 47 billion pounds ($57m) in economic gains annually over the course of ten years.

The UK ranks third in AI prowess globally, after China and the United States, according to the 2023 Global AI Vibrancy Ranking compiled by Stanford University.

“Our strategy will make Britain the world’s leader.” According to Starmer, the plan for change will be strengthened and the industry will gain from it, he said, referring to six goals his administration has set out, including lowering hospital waiting lists and raising household living standards.