UK must seize initiative on AI or be left at its mercy, Liz Kendall says

2026-04-28 · Source: AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian · Field: Government & Public Sector — Public Policy & Governance, Regulatory & Compliance · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall asserts that Britain must proactively engage with artificial intelligence development to avoid being dictated by its future, emphasizing the need for greater national control over the industry. She highlighted that 70% of global AI computing power is currently provided by US companies, with five major US firms (Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle) controlling the same percentage of datacentre capacity. Kendall pointed to the recent launch of a state AI investment fund and plans to boost domestic chip design and manufacturing as evidence of the UK's commitment. This comes amid concerns about the UK's struggle to establish its own AI capabilities, exemplified by high energy costs, regulatory issues, and a paused OpenAI datacentre project, despite a strong academic talent pool and companies like Google DeepMind.

Key takeaway

For policymakers and national technology strategists, the increasing concentration of AI computing power in a few foreign entities necessitates urgent domestic investment and strategic planning. You should prioritize initiatives like state AI funds and local chip manufacturing to ensure national interests and values shape your country's AI future, rather than being subject to external control. Ignoring this could leave your nation at the "mercy and whim" of others.

Key insights

National control over AI development is crucial to shape its future according to domestic values and interests.

Principles

• AI development concentration is increasing.
• National sovereignty in AI is vital.
• Pausing AI development is detrimental.

Method

The UK plans to increase its influence in AI by investing in domestic firms via a state fund and developing capabilities in chip design and manufacturing to counter foreign dominance.

In practice

• Invest in domestic AI firms.
• Develop national chip manufacturing.
• Address high energy costs for datacenters.

Topics

• UK AI Strategy
• AI Computing Power
• Big Tech Concentration
• AI Investment Fund
• Chip Manufacturing

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by AI (artificial intelligence) | The Guardian.