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UK Launches £14 Billion, 50-Point AI Plan to Become Global AI Superpower

Jan 13, 2025, 01:50 PM

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan, a comprehensive 50-point strategy aimed at positioning the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence. The plan includes £14 billion in commitments from tech giants and promises to create 13,250 new jobs, with the potential to unlock £47 billion in annual productivity gains. The government intends to "unleash AI" across various sectors to drive innovation, boost economic growth, and improve public services. Key initiatives involve promoting AI-focused courses at UK universities, supporting homegrown AI firms, creating dedicated AI Growth Zones to expedite infrastructure planning, and establishing a National Data Library. The plan also includes investments in a new supercomputer and leveraging anonymized NHS data for medical research, aiming to "mainline AI into the veins" of the nation. During the announcement, Starmer expressed confidence that the UK would become one of the world's AI superpowers, stating, "Mark my words—Britain will be one of the great AI superpowers." Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle was present at the launch, underscoring the government's commitment to the strategy. Despite concerns over the unchecked use of AI, the government plans to implement flexible regulations to foster innovation while ensuring responsible development. Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed the government's commitment to stick to fiscal rules and be "ruthless" in identifying public spending cuts to maintain economic stability.