Brexit Britain is now recognised at the world’s leading country in pushing forward the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution which will improve the lives of people for generations to come.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, Science Secretary Michelle Donelan has explained how the new AI international deal struck by the G7 leading democracies in Verona this week has come about thanks to what other countries are describing as “the Bletchley effect”.
Rishi Sunak’s first major international summit at Bletchley Park – the birthplace of the modern computer – in November last year with guests such as Elon Musk and other world leaders provided the foundation for international agreement on the nex technology going forward.
Added to that the Prime Minister’s prioritisation of AI as a major opportunity for Britain using its Brexit freedoms has seen enormous investment in Britain by big players in AI development.
Ms Donelan, whose science and technology department was created last year as part of Mr Sunak’s plan, said that the development of AI which will “transform the world” should be taken as proof that the Prime Minister has a positive “long term vision to change politics in this country.”
She noted how US President Joe Biden recently said that his country would be leaning on UK leadership on AI going forward.
Added to that the Canadian government has openly talked about “the Bletchley effect” with the recent AI deal in Verona at the G7.
The minister said: “[Last year’s summit] created something of a Bletchley effect which has made more countries want to look at pursuing [AI] Institutes. There was actually a comment by the Canadians when they said in one of the meetings that [Bletchley] actually acted as a catapult for action in many other countries.”
Ms Donelan went on: “AI doesn’t respect geographical boundaries, we are going to grip these risks, to seize the incredible opportunities for our NHS, our transport, network, etc.
“We’ve got to get a handle on what the risks are. This is the fastest merging technology that we’ve ever see. That is a moving goalpost if you like. But also we have to work in somewhat of a strategic way together. And that’s why we established a long term process.”
Ms Donelan said that Brexit had helped in that the UK has been able to set its own path in developing the technology and “get ahead of the curve” of the rest of the world.
After another week of Rishi Sunak facing criticism from fellow Tory MPs, she added: “The Prime Minister is personally passionate about this agenda. I saw that I myself with someone who really invested a great deal of time and energy into this particular aspect.
“I really do believe that this is a game changer for our nation, what we need to do is make sure that we are at the forefront of it that the jobs that this will create do come to our shores, that the British public do get to actually get the benefits that AI can bring.”
The UK works with the EU’s AI office, but it is the only country in the world to have set up, fully funded and staffed its own AI institute.
The minister pointed out that being able to control our own regulations “is an important tool” going forward with developing the technology.
She said: “We have built our own pro innovation approach, something that we have carved out ourselves, that enables us to really be a magnet for talent and industry when it comes to artificial intelligence.”
As a result, Open AI and Anthropic, two of the world’s leaders in the sector, have chosen to open their headquarters in the UK.
She said: “That’s because this is a government that gets this agenda that’s investing in this agenda. Just look at the other day, we invested more money in the Budget when it comes to them.”
She also pointed out that AI “is already with us” with major investment in the NHS including stroke units up and down the country.
