Starmer in UK promotes plan to ‘stimulate’ living standards using AI | technology

The British Prime Minister says artificial intelligence has the potential to “transform the lives of working people”.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil a 50-point plan to transform the UK into a “world leader” in artificial intelligence and deliver a “decade of national renewal”.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Prime Minister’s Office said the AI ​​Opportunities Action Plan, which is set to be set out in a speech by Starmer on Monday, will create dedicated AI growth zones to “stimulate growth” and “boost living standards”. In a joint statement on Sunday.

The growth zones, the first of which will be established in Culham, Oxfordshire, will receive faster planning approvals for data centers and better access to the energy grid, the statement said.

The scheme adopts all 50 recommendations made by venture capitalist Matt Clifford in a report commissioned by the Labor government last year, and also proposes a 20-fold increase in state-owned AI computing capacity as well as the creation of a national data library. and the Energy Council dedicated to artificial intelligence.

“Artificial intelligence will drive incredible change in our country. From teachers personalizing lessons, to supporting small businesses with their record keeping, to speeding up planning applications, it has the potential to transform the lives of working people,” Starmer said.

“But the AI ​​industry needs a government that stands by their side, a government that will not sit back and let opportunities slip through its fingers. In a world characterized by fierce competition, we cannot stand idly by.”

Starmer’s announcement comes at a time when his Labor government is bleeding support after only six months in power amid sluggish economic conditions.

The UK economy recorded 0% growth during the third quarter of 2024, raising concerns that the country could be heading towards a second recession in a year.

Starmer’s government has estimated that AI could deliver economic gains worth £47 billion ($57 million) every year over a decade, based on an analysis by the International Monetary Fund that found the technology could boost productivity by up to 1.5 percentage points. annually. .

The UK ranks third in AI prowess globally, after China and the US, according to the 2023 Global AI Vitality Ranking compiled by Stanford University.

Our plan will make Britain a world leader. “It will give the industry the foundation it needs and strengthen the agenda for change,” Starmer said, referring to six milestones he has set for his government, including raising living standards for families and reducing hospital waiting lists.

“This means more jobs and investment in the UK, more money in people’s pockets, and transformed public services. That is the change this government is delivering.”