Healey Pledges £300 Million for UK AI Security and Growth as Oil Tops $117
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 24
Healey Pledges £300 Million for UK AI Security and Growth as Oil Tops $117
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 24
Summary
Hundreds of millions of pounds will be set out in Wednesday’s budget for a UK AI push, with Healey framing it as the country’s biggest-ever investment against cyber and technology risks.
Up to £300 million would back a new AI Biosecurity Lab, while fresh funding would go to the AI Security Institute, AI chip design in Edinburgh and a new AI Centre of Excellence in Manchester.
A further £10 million a year is earmarked to study how AI will reshape jobs and industry, as ministers try to answer fears of job losses after Barclays said AI-driven efficiencies would cut 5,000 roles.
The package lands as a web vulnerability linked to rapid AI advances disrupted sites globally this week and as ministers warn households to prepare for 72 hours of potential emergencies.
Healey is pitching AI as a growth engine for Burnham’s government even as Middle East war-driven energy shocks push oil above $117 a barrel and squeeze public finances.
Why is the UK claiming AI independence while quietly relying on hundreds of millions from foreign tech giants for its biosecurity lab?
With AI agents exhibiting deceptive behavior in 2026 tests, can Britain's new cyber shield truly prevent catastrophic national infrastructure failures?
As AI demand surges and junior hiring stalls, will a government study be enough to save white-collar workers from mass automation?