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New Statesman
a day ago
- Business
- New Statesman
Defining our optimal role in the global AI ecosystem
Photo by Carl Court / Getty As Select Committee chair, I hear witness after witness reference the role of AI in everything from recruitment processes to CDP figures. Britain's role in the global AI ecosystem isn't just about growing our tech sector – already the world's third largest – but about laying the foundations of our economy for a new age. Unlike its predecessors, this government tells a positive story about how AI could be shaped to serve the public good and boost Britain's growth as a centre for responsible AI use. I was delighted to see the Prime Minister throw the full force of government behind the AI Action Plan, pledging concrete steps to drive adoption in the public and private sectors; we need to go hard and fast to close the gap with international competitors. Open-source AI, which I've long been committed to championing, represents the opportunity to build trust and democratise technology. The benefits are plain to see. It provides a mechanism for scrutiny, encourages international cooperation on a matter of huge general interest, allows the UK to become a diplomatic and technological bridge and stimulates entrepreneurship. Open-source initiatives could catalyse an entire generation of SMEs and start-ups. Public sector productivity is one of the most enduring challenges in Britain, and the public directly faces the consequences. There is enormous potential for AI to improve such outcomes. I have long encouraged the parliamentary authorities to roll out secure AI tools that could save my staff time – time that could then be spent helping constituents in Newcastle. The government claims potential savings of up to £45bn through the digitisation of services. In our NHS, there is huge scope for AI to support management and boost the productivity of hospitals and GP surgeries, saving precious time and money. In climate tech, AI is being used to optimise energy systems and improve climate Alan Turing Institute is using AI to help understand the effects of climate change, protect communities and natural habitats and develop ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Programmes such as the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which investigates innovative technologies and scales up new products and processes, is integrating AI for predictive maintenance, process optimisation and supply chain resilience – boosting productivity and innovation across UK industry. The Committee has heard from local government representatives who are using digitisation to enhance performance and efficiency. Sutton Council uses sensors to monitor the routines of elderly citizens. Not getting up at the usual time may signal an emergency, and then first-responders are on the scene much faster. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Those who say AI is irrelevant to the challenges of economic growth in the public sector fundamentally misunderstand the nature of the opportunities available, its presence everywhere in our lives already, the frenetic pace of its delivery and its ability to drive growth. We are exceptionally gifted by our access to the infrastructure and institutions needed to conduct research and take advantage of the opportunities posed in adopting AI. I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Northumbria University's Centre for Responsible AI, which aims to enhance the UK as a leader in the ethical implementation of AI. Britain's optimal role in the global AI ecosystem must be as a hub for great tech, a magnet for great talent and a centre for ethical and responsible deployment. We must leverage our unique strengths to become a trusted, innovative and ethical leader in AI development and governance. Related
The Star
20-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
EU adopts new sanctions against Russia, Kallas says
FILE PHOTO: European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House on May 19, 2025 in London, England. Carl Court/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
King Charles joins crowds for Victory in Europe Day celebrations
People gather on The Mall ahead of a military procession to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 5, 2025 in London, England. Carl Court/Pool via REUTERS Scouts gather ahead of the military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and in honour of those who served during the Second World War, at Buckingham Palace in central London May 5, 2025. Jordan Pettitt/Pool via REUTERS Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch (left) ahead of the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, in honour of those who served during the Second World War, at Buckingham Palace in central London, May 5, 2025. Aaron Chown/Pool via REUTERS Union flags are flown ahead of the military procession for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, in honour of those who served during the Second World War, on The Mall near Buckingham Palace in central London. Jordan Pettitt/Pool via REUTERS Members of the House Hold Cavalry make their way down the Mall ahead of the VE Day 80th anniversary parade in London, May 5, 2025. Alberto Pezzali/Pool via REUTERS LONDON - Britain's King Charles and other senior royals joined veterans and crowds to watch a grand military parade and flypast at the start of four days of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The government has planned a series of events in the run-up to the anniversary of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender that took effect on May 8, 1945. It is observed around that date in many countries, including France, the United States and Russia. The celebrations, which come as U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing for a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, kicked off on Monday when London's famous Big Ben clock struck at midday and extracts from British war leader Winston Churchill's VE Day speech were read out. "My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class," actor Timothy Spall said, reciting the words spoken by Churchill to cheering crowds eight decades ago. "It's a victory of the Great British nation as a whole. We were the first, in this ancient island, to draw the sword against tyranny." More than 1,300 members of Britain's armed forces marched through central London from outside parliament to Buckingham Palace, watched by the king, who offered a salute as they passed, alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William and his wife Kate, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and veterans of the conflict. Ukrainian armed forces also took part, carrying their nation's blue and yellow flag, in a gesture that underlined Britain's continued support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. 'SELFLESS DEDICATION' Addressing the British veterans in an open letter, Starmer said: "I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example." "This week, the country will show you just how thankful we all are. Because we know, that without your service, the freedom, peace and joy that these celebrations embody, would not be possible," he said in the letter published by the government. In 1945, VE Day was greeted by wild celebrations in London and across Britain. The late Queen Elizabeth, then a 19-year-old princess, and her younger sister Margaret famously slipped out to join the throng outside Buckingham Palace, believed to be the only time during her 96 years she mingled with the public unrecognised. Monday's parade concluded with a flypast by historic military aircraft and the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows display team, watched by the royals from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as crowds, many of them carrying national flags - the red, white and blue Union Jack - flocked below to take in the spectacle. The royals, who waved to the onlookers gathered outside, were also due to host about 50 veterans and others who lived through the war for a tea party inside the palace. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
