The UK government ended June with the launch of a new taskforce on climate security. Just a few weeks later, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a new AI Taskforce after spending only about a week in office.
The government says AI is a main priority, now. Lord Vallance will chair the Taskforce, AI Minister Kanishka Narayan will lead it and attend Cabinet, and the group will work on the Prime Minister’s AI agenda.
The government says the Taskforce will shape its overall AI strategy, help public services use the technology and unlock economic growth throughout the country. Responsibility for the existing AI Security Institute has also transferred to the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
Why Has AI Become An Early Priority?
Burnham has made AI one of his first policy announcements since entering Downing Street. The government says the Taskforce will learn lessons from the Vaccines Taskforce, which showed how a dedicated unit reporting to the Prime Minister can deliver results.
The Taskforce will report to Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo and AI Minister Narayan. Lord Vallance will report to the Prime Minister. Its work will put government strategy into practice and help departments use AI throughout the public sector.
Announcing the Taskforce, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said, “AI is rapidly changing our world and we need to make sure it works for everyone. The opportunities are huge if we get it right and I want AI to power a new industrial revolution that drives good growth in every postcode.
“Lord Vallance is a true public servant with decades of experience, expertise and a track record of delivery. I’m delighted he’ll be chairing the AI Taskforce, putting AI at the centre of all our work to change people’s lives for the better.”
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So, Who’s Leading The New Taskforce?
Lord Vallance brings experience from science, government and research. He served as the UK’s Government Chief Scientific Adviser from 2018 to 2023 and became well known for leading the Vaccines Taskforce during the Covid 19 pandemic. More recently, he served as Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear.
He has also been appointed Chair of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor, where the government wants local government, business and universities to work more closely.
Speaking about his appointment, Lord Vallance said, “I’m delighted to be appointed Chair of the AI Taskforce and Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor. This government is sending a signal that’s clearer than ever before about its commitment to realising the opportunities of AI and Science and Technology.
“The potential to transform public services, drive growth and improve people’s lives is immense, and I intend to make sure we deliver on it.”
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said, “AI is likely the most significant technology in human history. That is why it is now at the UK Cabinet’s table, so we can reindustrialise with AI, secure our country, and support our public services.
“I am delighted that Lord Vallance will work with me on the AI Taskforce, so we can draw on his unique mix of scientific expertise, experience in government and a relentless focus on delivery. We will focus on using AI to boost growth, strengthen public services and create opportunities in every part of our country.”
