UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey pledges to use AI in the budget to strengthen UK security
John Healey pledges to use budget to harness power of AI to bolster Britain’s security
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey pledged to commit hundreds of millions of pounds in Wednesday's first budget to develop a "distinctly British" AI approach, strengthening the UK's security and prosperity in an accelerating global technology arms race. Measures include new investment in key institutions such as the AI Security Institute, investment in AI chip design capability in Edinburgh, a new AI centre of excellence in Manchester, £10 million a year to study AI's impact on jobs and industry, and up to £300 million in public-private investment for a new AI biosecurity laboratory. Healey said this would be the largest investment ever made to guard against cyber risks and the technology's disruptive potential; Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the investment would help the UK strengthen national security and stay ahead of those seeking to use AI to cause harm. The report also mentioned that Barclays cut 5,000 jobs after deploying AI to improve efficiency, and that Defence Secretary Wes Streeting suggested households stock emergency supplies sufficient for 72 hours.