In a speech on 26 October, Rishi Sunak said the government would not “rush to regulate” AI. The PM expanded by saying that his party, “believes in innovation, so we will always have the presumption to encourage it, not to stifle it.”

Sunak also said the UK is to establish an AI safety institute that will “advance the world’s knowledge of AI safety”.

Whilst the government have focused more on innovation, there are parliamentarians expressing concern about AI regulation. Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate recently tabled a question asking the government their plans to monitor and control AI in the UK.

In response, Viscount Camrose, Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property referred to the government’s AI White Paper which outlined the proposed framework for governing AI in the UK. It proposes an approach aimed to build trust from the public, and dispel sentiments of fear and distrust.

The PPA advocates for, and has been asserting to the government, the need for AI regulation, particularly in relation to copyright and digital competition. We will continue to advocate for this with all political parties as we approach the 2024 election. If you wish to discuss this with our public affairs team, please contact eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk.

You can read/watch the full speech here.