Artificial Intelligence: Laboratories
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's press release entitled UK backs new AI labs to make technology cheaper, more reliable and easier to use, published on 23 June 2026, what assessment he has made of the extent to which the laboratories will reduce the United Kingdom's reliance on overseas AI technologies.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan
As with other publicly funded research programmes, Government support for the UK AI Research Labs is intended to deliver value for taxpayers through the talent development, the creation of new businesses and technologies, downstream economic growth, and wider benefits to society. Supporting world-leading research in UK institutions will also help the UK shape the next generation of AI technologies, secure reliable access to advanced systems, and strengthen domestic capability.
The labs’ capacity to ensure fundamental developments can be translated into real-world applications – including commercial opportunities – was a key part of the selection criteria. The selection panel of recognised experts from academia and industry reached their decision on that basis. Both labs have strong links with industry and will continue seeking opportunities for partnerships as they develop.
In line with principles set out in the Modern Industrial Strategy, the labs will be supported by an ecosystem of interventions that ensure the UK reaps the rewards of our leading R&D sector. This could include support from the Sovereign AI Unit – which is backing UK AI companies to start, scale and stay anchored in the UK – as well as UKRI’s AI Priority, Frontier AI, and iCURE programmes, which include support for research translation and commercialisation.
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