The UK government’s plans to establish Britain as a global artificial intelligence leader face significant public resistance, new research suggests.
A Tony Blair Institute study found that scepticism toward AI technology far outweighs public enthusiasm, reports The Guardian. The research discovered 38% of British adults consider AI an economic threat, whilst just 20% view the technology as beneficial.
More than 3,700 people participated in the TBI-commissioned survey, which identified trust as the primary obstacle to wider AI adoption across the UK.
The findings present challenges for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s declared ambition to transform Britain into an AI “superpower.” Jakob Mökander, who leads science and technology policy at TBI, warned that Britain’s competitive advantage depends on becoming a leading adopter rather than developer of AI systems.
“The UK will not lead in development, that will be the US and China, but it can lead in adoption,” Mökander told The Guardian. “But the UK will not become an AI superpower in those terms unless the government manages to build broad public trust in the technology.”
The research revealed stark differences between those who have used AI and those who have not. Whilst more than half of non-users perceive the technology as risky, only 25% of regular AI users share these concerns.
TBI projections suggest AI could eliminate between one million and three million private sector jobs across the UK, though the institute expects new employment opportunities to reduce the net impact. Current recruitment data shows limited AI disruption in sectors expected to face the greatest changes, according to industry specialists.
The thinktank proposed five strategies to build public confidence: expanding AI usage, showcasing beneficial applications, quantifying positive impacts, establishing responsible regulations, and creating skills development programmes.
Government officials acknowledged that public trust remains essential for successful AI implementation, noting expectations that approximately 10 million workers will incorporate AI into their daily responsibilities by 2035.
