Government needs a moral vision for AI in society
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Science Secretary Peter Kyle on a visit to the Manufacturing Futures Lab at UCL (Alamy)
4 min read
While the government positions AI at the heart of its economic agenda, a critical gap remains in its approach.
From NHS doctors using AI to detect cancer earlier to councils predicting social care needs with machine learning, artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise—it is reshaping British society today.
The current focus on growth, while necessary, overlooks a fundamental truth: leadership in AI must address not just economic potential, but safety, moral responsibility, and the societal implications of this extraordinary technology. Without these pillars, public trust will falter, and with it, the adoption and success of AI in the UK.
The stakes could not be higher when it comes to public trust. Yesterday, YouGov published research revealing a troubling reality: over 20 per cent of Britons believe AI will have no impact at all on public services, while almost a third think it will make them worse. These figures are not just statistics; they are a warning signal.
The public is not opposed to innovation, but they have understandably grown weary of grand promises that fail to materialise in their daily lives. This gap between expectations and delivery risks not only public trust but also the momentum needed to capitalise on AI's transformative potential.
While yesterday’s AI Opportunities Action Plan offers a roadmap for integrating AI into public services, it falls short in addressing how these technologies will align with core democratic values of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The transformative potential of AI is revolutionary. AI-powered diagnostic tools could slash NHS waiting times from months to days. Predictive algorithms could already be helping teachers identify struggling pupils before they fall behind. Smart traffic systems, like those already deployed elsewhere in the world, could halve commute times while reducing emissions.
The Action Plan offers nothing on preventing AI misuse in critical areas like surveillance and disinformation
These are not just theoretical possibilities, but they need to be demonstrated at scale to shift public perception. The government's approach is a start, but it lacks the urgency and ambition this moment demands. We need clear milestones, dedicated funding, and transparent communication of results. Trust is not built on promises, but on visible improvements in people's lives.
The Action Plan’s most glaring oversight lies in its treatment of ethical challenges. It offers nothing on preventing AI misuse in critical areas like surveillance and disinformation—real threats to democratic institutions and individual freedoms. Ethical leadership is not optional; it is fundamental to ensuring AI serves the public good rather than undermining it. Without addressing these risks head-on, the UK risks undermining its position as a global leader in responsible AI governance.
The UK’s ambition to lead globally in AI is right, but ambition without moral vision risks becoming mere rhetoric. The Action Plan emphasises growth but lacks the comprehensive leadership needed to inspire confidence at home and abroad. True leadership means ensuring AI reflects our core values and delivers benefits equitably across society. It is not just about economic metrics; it is about shaping how AI will transform all our lives.
The Sunak government's establishment of the AI Safety Institute and the success of the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit demonstrate what is possible when ambition meets action. But we cannot rest here. The government must act decisively to maintain our competitive edge through AI infrastructure investment, talent attraction, and innovation support. While initiatives like AI Growth Zones and sovereign AI compute are vital, they will falter without funding, ethical leadership and public trust as their foundation.
Britain’s AI policy must transcend GDP growth to build a society where AI serves everyone—safely, fairly, and equitably.
The moment calls for leadership that is both ambitious and responsible. AI is not merely another technological advancement; it is a transformative force that demands transformative leadership. The UK can set a global example, but only if we balance our pursuit of growth with an unwavering commitment to our values. Failing to act with moral clarity and ambition would squander the unprecedented opportunity AI offers to shape a brighter, fairer future for all.
Tom Skinner is a former special adviser at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology 2023-24.
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