Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office on 20 July 2026, faces internal pressure from his own Labour Party regarding the government's stance on artificial intelligence. On 16 September 2026, critics publicly demanded clarity on the administration's regulatory strategy.
The conflict centers on the Artificial Superintelligence Bill, introduced by MP Alex Sobel on 8 September 2026. The bill proposes a national ban on developing superintelligent AI and seeks international agreements during the UK's G20 presidency. A letter supporting this proposal was signed by over 70 MPs and peers on 11 September 2026.
The government has rejected blanket prohibitions, favoring an approach based on scientific evidence and company-led risk disclosure. Between 9 and 10 September, Burnham also declined a proposed moratorium on data centers, citing the economic benefits of AI Growth Zones.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been dissolved, with AI strategy moving to the Cabinet Office. Kanishka Narayan has been appointed as the first cabinet-level Minister for Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on tech sovereignty and worker protections.
