Artificial intelligence is to be placed at the centre of government decision-making following the creation of a new Prime Ministerial AI Taskforce, chaired by former Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Lord Sir Patrick Vallance.
The Government said the new Taskforce would lead its overall strategy on artificial intelligence (AI), with a focus on transforming public services, stimulating economic growth, and ensuring that the benefits of the technology are felt across the country.
Minister for AI, Kanishka Narayan will lead the Taskforce and attend Cabinet, while Lord Vallance will serve as its Chair and report directly to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The appointment marks a significant elevation of AI within Whitehall, with the Taskforce set to operate from the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, known as the OPMC.
AI Minister to attend Cabinet as new unit gains central role
The Taskforce will be based alongside Number 10, Number 10 North and core Cabinet Office functions under First Secretary of State Louise Haigh.
Its central purpose will be to oversee the direction and implementation of the Government’s AI strategy, while supporting the adoption of AI across departments and public services.
The existing AI Security Institute will also move to the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, bringing responsibility for the opportunities and risks presented by AI closer to the centre of government.
The Taskforce will report to Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo and Mr Narayan, although Lord Vallance will have a direct reporting line to the Prime Minister.
Ministers said the new structure would provide clear accountability and give the unit the authority needed to deliver change across Whitehall.
The Government is drawing inspiration from the Vaccines Taskforce, which was given a specific mandate and direct political backing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials said that model demonstrated how an empowered team, operating with clear responsibility and access to senior decision-makers, could deliver major national programmes at speed.
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.”
Taskforce to focus on growth and public service transformation
The Government said the Taskforce would be responsible for ensuring that AI supports economic prosperity, national security and improvements to public services.
This is expected to include encouraging adoption across government departments, identifying opportunities for automation and productivity improvements, and supporting the development of the UK’s domestic AI capabilities.
The new approach also reflects the Government’s stated ambition to use artificial intelligence as part of a wider programme of reindustrialisation.
Minister for Artificial Intelligence 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.”
The Government’s decision to give the AI Minister a place at the Cabinet table signals that the technology will influence policy across multiple departments rather than being treated solely as a science or digital issue.
The Taskforce is likely to work across areas including industrial strategy, skills, infrastructure, public sector productivity, data, security and the regulation of emerging technologies.
Welcoming the announcement, Tim Flagg – CEO of the UK’s trade association for the AI economy, UKAI – said:
“UKAI broadly welcomes the announcement of the AI Taskforce. Coordination has been the missing piece in the UK’s approach to AI so far, and bringing together industrial strategy, skills, infrastructure and public service delivery under one roof is a sensible way to turn ambition into action. Lord Vallance’s track record makes him a strong choice to lead it, and UKAI looks forward to supporting the Taskforce’s work.”
Vallance handed second role leading Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
Alongside his appointment to the AI Taskforce, Lord Vallance has also been named Chair of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
The corridor is intended to bring together local government, businesses, universities, and research institutions to promote innovation and address barriers to economic development.
The role builds on Lord Vallance’s previous work as Ministerial Champion for the corridor and will place him at the centre of two of the Government’s flagship growth initiatives.
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.”
Lord Vallance served as Government Chief Scientific Adviser between 2018 and 2023, providing independent scientific advice to ministers during some of the most significant challenges faced by the UK in recent years.
He became one of the country’s most prominent scientific figures during the COVID-19 pandemic and played a leading role in the work of the Vaccines Taskforce and the delivery of the UK’s vaccination programme.
He has also worked across academia and industry and most recently served as Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear across the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Government seeks to turn AI ambition into delivery
The launch of the Taskforce represents an attempt by the Government to move beyond broad commitments on AI and establish a central mechanism capable of coordinating delivery.
Its success will depend on whether it can overcome long-standing challenges around public sector procurement, legacy technology, data-sharing, workforce skills and accountability.
However, the direct involvement of the Prime Minister, the appointment of a dedicated Cabinet-level minister and the selection of Lord Vallance suggest that AI will form a major part of the Government’s economic and public service reform agenda.
Find out more about UKAI
Find out more about the UK’s trade association for the AI economy at: www.ukai.co
Photo: As Science Minister, Sir Patrick Vallance officially opens the National Quantum Computing Centre. (Photo: Zoe-Rose Herbert/DSIT)