UK government to heed AI experts’ warnings
The UK government will “heed the warnings” of artificial intelligence (AI) experts who have highlighted the risks the technology could pose, First Secretary Louise Haigh will say on Tuesday, reports BritPanorama.
This approach contrasts sharply with that of US President Donald Trump, who has dismissed concerns regarding the potential dangers of AI—even when voiced by industry insiders.
Ms Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, recognizes that AI holds the potential to transform public services, bolster business growth, and advance scientific progress. However, at the TUC annual congress in Brighton, she will stress the government’s readiness to collaborate internationally to tackle the associated risks.
She will assert: “AI has enormous potential to transform our public services, make our businesses stronger and deliver new scientific breakthroughs.” Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, she will also emphasize that ministers must “heed the warnings of those who are at the forefront of developing this technology” and be prepared to work with international partners to ensure public safety and national security.
Her address to trade unionists comes after Prime Minister Andy Burnham withdrew from attending due to the death of his father.
In the US, President Trump has publicly characterized fears surrounding AI as a “hoax,” despite rising alarms from key figures in the tech industry regarding the rapid advancements and inherent dangers of the technology.
Trump has expressed concern that any slowdown in progress could disadvantage American firms relative to their Chinese counterparts. He has rebuffed calls from tech leaders such as Anthropic’s Dario Amodei, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and SpaceXAI’s Elon Musk for closer governmental oversight of AI.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump remarked: “The only control or “guardrails” that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!”
The discussion of AI regulation continues to intensify as governments worldwide grapple with balancing innovation and safety. In the UK, the government’s proactive stance may signal a shift towards more robust oversight, reflecting growing concerns that transcend national borders.
