VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Artificial Intelligence: Northern Ireland

Asked by Jim AllisterTraditional Unionist VoiceDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 90634

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether Northern Ireland will be subject to the EU's AI legislation or the UK's AI legislation.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan

The UK is committed to a proportionate AI regulatory approach which is grounded in science and supports growth and innovation.

As we develop our approach to AI, we recognise the need to engage with a range of stakeholders. This includes engaging with the EU, and other international partners, to discuss our respective regulatory approaches and ensure they are effective.

The European Council has published its proposal for a decision to apply the EU AI Act to a limited extent in Northern Ireland under Article 13(4) of the Windsor Framework. The Act would only apply following an agreement at a Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee, which will be subject to the mechanisms in Schedule 6B to the Northern Ireland Act 1998. The EU AI Act is complex and requires further dialogue and consideration as to its interaction with the Windsor Framework. The UK Government is assessing the proposal and will continue to engage closely with the EU on it.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim