Britain “must secure greater control over AI” to protect national security

Control over where AI systems are built and how they operate – and who ultimately controls them – is now fundamental to economic security, energy security and defence security alike.

History tells us that those countries which pull ahead are those that master the defining currency of their age. Today, that currency is technology: chips, computing power and AI, all of which are increasingly becoming engines of both economic power and hard power.

The Tech Secretary noted that 70% of global AI compute is now controlled by just five companies. Kendall suggested that Britain is uniquely placed to flourish in this new era because of the nation’s huge AI strengths and deep international alliances. Indeed, the UK plays host to world‑leading universities and research institutions, while also being home to globally influential institutions such as the AI Security Institute, which is shaping international approaches to AI safety and security.

Muscular approach 

As part of a more muscular approach, the Government will back British strengths in the parts of the AI stack where the UK can build real leverage.

The focus will be trained on a few select elements that the country does better than anyone – from frontier research and companies to compute, skills and infrastructure – while working closely with allies to shape the overall global AI ecosystem.

In order to strengthen the UK’s position in this ‘race for the future’, the Technology Secretary has announced that the Government will develop a UK AI Hardware Plan purpose-designed to secure Britain’s capability in chips and the semiconductor technologies that underpin the full AI hardware stack.

Kendall stressed this is not about isolation or trying to build everything alone, but instead about ensuring that Britain is indispensable in the technologies that will define the future: a keystone in the global AI architecture rather than a bystander to decisions taken elsewhere.

Increasing resilience

Kendall observed: “This Government believes AI sovereignty is not about isolationism or attempting to pull up the drawbridge and go it alone. We will continue to use the best technology and welcome inward investment because that’s what our public services and economy demand.”

Embellishing that point, Kendall commented: “For Britain, AI sovereignty is about reducing over dependencies and increasing resilience in key national strategic priorities, as the Prime Minister has rightly argued. We secure greater control and greater leverage over the issues that matter most.”

Further, Kendall said: “If you want leverage for your country, you need to be a keystone in the global tech architecture: an indispensable partner. This requires two key shifts in our approach. First, a decisive move towards backing more British AI companies, notably so in areas where we have real strengths. Second, we must work more closely with our international partners, particularly other so-called middle power nations, including on setting the standards for how AI is deployed.”

“Double betrayal”

The Technology Secretary has rejected calls to pause the development of AI, describing any such move as a “double betrayal” of British talent and British interests. Warning that retreating from progress would mean retreating from the world, Kendall argued that the real choice facing the country is not between a world with AI and one without, but rather between a Britain that shapes its own AI future and one left at its mercy.

Kendall pointed to a new generation of British founders and investors committed to building ambitious and responsible AI alongside a Government prepared to move quickly and work in new ways, citing the AI Security Institute and Sovereign AI as examples.

Britain stands on the cusp of a technological British renaissance. The Technology Secretary urged the Government, alongside the country’s scientists and founders, to seize the opportunity for the benefit of the economy and national security and, ultimately, “build a future that works for all.”