GBN members sent in their reactions across our site and into our inbox today as Keir Starmer launched his plan for an ambitious national AI strategy. The comprehensive plan is aimed at producing a £47billion annual boost to the economy along with 13,000 jobs over the next decade.
Three major tech companies - Vantage Data Centres, Nscale and Kyndryl - have pledged £14billion to help build essential AI infrastructure across the UK. In addition to this the government will also be launching new AI Growth Zones across the country to streamline planning permissions and ensure adequate energy infrastructure for AI development. Keir Starmer said "In a world of fierce competition, we cannot stand by. We must move fast and take action to win the global race."
Here are some of the best comments from members below.
The Prime Minister said "Artificial Intelligence will drive incredible change in our country."
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The government have a strange understanding about AI. Did I really hear them say this morning: “We will spend £14bn on AI. This will create 140,000 jobs.” On which planet is this a benefit and a way of using AI to do the same with fewer people? I think they must have attended a union training course to come up with such daft ideas. In case it isn’t clear Keir: use AI to cut jobs and reduce taxes or don’t bother. - Wull Sceap V Croiserie
AI is just another technology that the leaders don't understand. There are plenty of productivity improvements in the public sector available without throwing money at their friends for unnecessary technology, just using basic automation and process design. - William Selka
If these AI recommendations can be implemented within 2 days of taking office, so should the recommendations of the Jay Report on rape gangs. This speech from Starmer has been planned to divert attention away from those heinous crimes. – David Hender
How can he stand there and talk about values. Let’s talk about our standards which his government has dropped this country to the lowest. He ignores the issues at the present time. We all know about AI is here to stay. Talks about anything, but the rape gangs, farmers, pensioners freezing. - June Zerbino
I’m sat here thinking where’s my Winter Fuel Allowance while he's droning on about ideological opportunity and no timescales - he is ignoring timescales re AI - I think he already has artificial intelligence! - Martin Grace
The last time Labour got involved with a computer system for the NHS it cost the Taxpayer £28 billion and it totally failed. We're going to let them loose with AI? GOD HELP US ALL! - Andy GBN
So Starmer says kids in the future will be taught how to do jobs by AI computers at school? are these the jobs that AI computers will do so much better? Ave' a day off Trigger. - Derek Bromley
You can’t sell AI based on one thing like medical when there are so many, many more implications of it. It’s going to take away the need for humans. Economy will crash when humans can’t earn money because there’s no jobs. AI will become self-sufficient, it won’t need humans. - Sue Ryder
OMG listening to Starmer droning on about benefits of AI is so uninspiring. Apparently it can spot pot holes quicker - you don’t need AI for that, just ask millions of motorists whose cars have been damaged by pot holes and even when reported, the holes can sit there un repaired for weeks! - Nic F
So Starmer is in love with AI. Then I suggest that the top money savers for him are:
1. Take over HMS Trusts. Saving Billions.
2. Take over Running the trains, replace Drivers with AI saving even more Billions. - Walter James
AI will bring more jobs, just like thousands of green energy jobs that are coming, and cheaper energy that Great British energy is going to give us. More fairy tales than from the brothers Grimm. oh hang on, they all look pretty grim and dim to me. - Alan Johnson
