The UK’s Faltering Leadership in AI: An Open Letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Richard Foster-FletcherSeptember 24, 2024

Dear Prime Minister,

As the Chair of MKAI, an organisation committed to promoting ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI), I am writing to you with deep concern regarding the recent decisions affecting the future of AI in the UK. The Labour government’s recent cancellation of the £1.3 billion AI investment plan, initially set out by the previous administration, has raised serious questions about the UK’s commitment to maintaining its leadership in this critical sector.

The UK has long been regarded as a pioneer in AI, with a wealth of talent, robust institutions, and a rich history of innovation. However, this leadership is now at risk. The decision to pull back from substantial investment in AI comes at a time when other nations are doubling down on their commitments to AI research and development. This move could severely undermine our competitive edge in a post-Brexit landscape where maintaining global relevance is more crucial than ever.

Brexit was heralded as an opportunity for the UK to chart its own course, free from EU constraints. Yet, with AI, this has not resulted in the anticipated surge of innovation or regulatory agility. Instead, what we are witnessing is a growing uncertainty and a lack of clear direction. The absence of a coherent AI strategy post-Brexit threatens to leave the UK behind, especially as the EU and other global players continue to advance with substantial investments and well-structured frameworks.

Moreover, while regulation is essential to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed ethically, the UK’s approach has been inconsistent. There is a fine line between necessary safeguards and overregulation, which could stifle innovation and drive away investment. The UK has a unique opportunity to lead the world in ethical AI, but this requires more than just rhetoric. It demands clear, actionable policies and sustained investment in research that explores the ethical dimensions of AI.

Another pressing issue is the impact of post-Brexit visa policies on attracting and retaining top AI talent. AI is inherently a global endeavour, and the best innovations often emerge from diverse, international teams. The current immigration policies are making it increasingly difficult for the UK to remain an attractive destination for global talent, which is vital for our AI ecosystem.

Finally, strategic investment in AI is crucial. This is not merely about funding research; it is about creating a thriving environment for public-private partnerships, fostering innovation across key sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. The government’s current initiatives lack the scale and focus needed to drive significant progress. A more coordinated approach is urgently needed—one that aligns government funding, private investment, and academic research to build a robust AI ecosystem.

The UK stands at a pivotal moment in its AI journey. The decisions made by your government in the coming months and years will determine whether we remain at the forefront of AI innovation or fall behind in an increasingly competitive global landscape. This is not just about economic growth; it is about securing the UK’s future in a world where AI will be central to every aspect of society.

I urge you to reconsider the recent decision and to commit to a comprehensive AI strategy that balances regulation with innovation, invests in skills and education, and fosters meaningful public-private partnerships. The UK has the talent and the institutions to lead the world in AI, but this potential can only be realised with the right political will and strategic vision.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Yours sincerely,
Richard Foster-Fletcher
Chair, MKAI.org

Written by

Richard Foster-Fletcher

Richard stands at the forefront of ethical artificial intelligence as an AI Advisor, Author, Speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice. He is the visionary behind MKAI.org (Morality and Knowledge in Artificial Intelligence), an initiative dedicated to fostering AI’s responsible development and application. Through his stewardship of the Boundless Podcast, Richard delves into discussions about AI inclusivity and digital ethics, contributing to a more equitable technological future. His profound insights have illuminated lecture halls at globally renowned institutions, including the London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL), Oxford University, and Imperial College London, guiding the next generation of tech leaders.

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Richard’s keynote at our recent EMEA Conference was both enlightening and engaging. His presentation, “AI in Action – Balancing Innovation and Integrity in Decision-Making” adeptly addressed the complex interplay of AI innovation and ethics, enhancing our understanding of these critical issues. Richard combined humour and humility to make the intricate topics of bias and the future of work approachable, while his interactive style enriched our session. We are grateful for his significant contribution to the conference and for advancing the conversation on ethical AI.

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Richard Foster-Fletcher delivered a truly engaging and thought-provoking keynote at the AI Tomorrow Summit 2024 in Türkiye. His insights into the transformative potential of AI for Türkiye’s economy were both enlightening and impactful. Richard’s emphasis on the pivotal role of generative AI for SMEs, the importance of upskilling, and ethical considerations in AI development resonated deeply with our audience. His ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity and relevance made the session highly valuable. AIPA were thrilled to have Richard speak and look forward to future collaborations.

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Richard delivered a truly engaging and thought-provoking session at our Director As Strategic Leader programme. His insights into the opportunities and challenges of AI were both enlightening and inspiring. Richard highlighted the need to channel AI advancements into creating new roles and fostering grassroots innovation, emphasising the importance of responsible AI development. His ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner made the session highly impactful. Richard’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and aligning AI with human values resonated deeply with our participants. We were delighted to have him speak and look forward to future collaborations.

Graham Bell, Director of Digital Education at Cranfield School of Management

Richard Foster-Fletcher is an asset to humanity. He brings intelligence and heart to our ever-changing future. He’s a team player who cares about people and their important role on the planet as stewards for future generations. He is a great communicator and thinks outside of the box when creating solutions to difficult problems. Richard also sees the value in healthy partnerships when expanding new ideas. It’s an honor to work with Richard.

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I thoroughly enjoyed my recent conversation with Richard Foster-Fletcher. His thoughtful approach to the important intersections of AI, ethics, and education allowed us to explore critical issues in a way that was both engaging and insightful. Richard brings a unique perspective to these discussions, and I appreciated the depth and clarity with which he led our conversation.

Dan Ariely, Professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University

Richard has the unique ability to bring out the best in a person. He has three rare qualities to achieve that: incredible empathy, a deep cultural background, and an open mind second to none! I’ve been interviewed all my life on national television, radio, newspapers, conferences, and podcasts. Richard tops them all! He pierces right through the surface with his eagle vision into the core of how we perceive life. My mind sees connections everywhere and in everything. Richard sees that in everybody. Do not miss a chance to sit down and talk with Richard! You will probably learn incredible things about yourself, your work, and the world! Talking with Richard will take you to the next level.

Denis Rothman, AI Expert & Ethicist | Author & Speaker

Richard provided an excellent platform for our discussion, skillfully getting to the heart of the matter and allowing me to share my views effectively. His thoughtful questions, combined with a warm and engaging manner, made for a truly insightful conversation. I appreciated his genuine interest and the respectful way he facilitated our discussion.

Sir Anthony Seldon, Author, Historian and Educator

Richard delivered an insightful and thought-provoking talk on the expansive implications of artificial intelligence on society, the future of work, and ethical considerations. His ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner prompted a dynamic and engaging discussion among attendees. Richard’s presentation not only highlighted the potential risks and rewards of AI adoption but also encouraged a deeper understanding of its impact. The session was very well-received, sparking meaningful dialogue and a multitude of questions from an engaged audience. We are appreciative of Richard’s contribution to our event and his role in advancing the conversation around AI. His expertise and passion for the subject matter were evident and greatly appreciated by all participants.

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Richard is a thorough professional who takes his work seriously, is knowledgeable and possibly the best at spreading the word about AI. Richard’s probing questions about this subject, make you think. He gets the best out of you!

Nikhil Malhotra, Chief Innovation Officer, Tech Mahindra

The physicist John Wheeler once remarked, “We shape the world by the questions we ask.” If that’s so, then Richard is shaping the world. I had the pleasure of joining him as a guest on his podcast and was *profoundly* impressed with the depth, generosity and thoughtfulness of his questions. He’s a star!

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