AI trust crucial for unlocking opportunities, says UK MP Victoria Collins

Labour MP Victoria Collins calls for a new approach to AI development in the UK, emphasizing that trust and safety must coexist with innovation to unlock economic growth. As the nation grapples with economic stagnation and changing global partnerships, Collins argues that artificial intelligence represents a critical opportunity—but only if the government shifts its current strategy to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and international cooperation.

The big picture: The UK has fallen behind in AI adoption despite being home to pioneering companies like DeepMind, creating an urgent need to build public trust in AI technology.

• Collins argues that trustworthy AI development is essential for economic growth and technological leadership.
• The apparent dichotomy between safety and innovation in government policy is described as a “mistake” that risks undermining AI adoption.
• The Ada Lovelace Institute’s research is cited to support the connection between trust in technology and inclusive economic growth.

Recent government missteps: Labour’s decision to rename the AI Safety Institute and decline signing the Paris Agreement on AI Safety signals problematic policy directions.

• The newly branded “AI Security Institute” will abandon its focus on bias and free speech issues, suggesting a narrowed approach to AI governance.
• Collins criticizes the government for “grovelling to Trump and Musk” rather than embracing international cooperation on AI standards.
• This position undermines the UK’s reputation for good governance, which has traditionally supported its trusted legal and financial systems.

Creative industries controversy: The government’s approach to AI and intellectual property rights has created unnecessary conflict with a key growth sector.

• Current proposals would allow unlicensed use of creative works for AI training, challenging decades of established intellectual property protections.
• Over 40,000 creatives, including Paul McCartney and Elton John, have urged the government to reconsider its position.
• Collins argues this approach contradicts the government’s own identification of creative industries as a crucial economic driver.

Why this matters: As the UK faces economic stagnation and changing international relationships, a thoughtful AI strategy could provide much-needed growth opportunities.

• Collins points to the potentially “economically damaging tariffs” threatened by the Trump administration, highlighting the need for the UK to develop its own economic strengths.
• The Liberal Democrats, as the third-largest parliamentary party, pledge to advocate for “an AI revolution that can deliver growth for everyone.”
• Collins emphasizes that successful AI-driven growth requires “putting trust at the centre of AI policy” and ensuring inclusive benefits.