Labour Party Conference: UK tech secretary calls for wider conversation around AI

Posted by Admin September 24, 2024 Tech

Labour Party Conference has seen several talks from government tech ministers. Credit: Shutterstock/chrisdorney

Peter Kyle, Member of Parliament and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology spoke today (24 September) at the Labour Party Conference about his priorities for the technology sector.

Kyle took part in an open conversation with Lord Patrick Vallance, a physician, scientist, Life Peer, and clinical pharmacologist who serves as Minister of State for Science.

The Secretary of State laid out his priorities for the current government including the need for “a wider conversation around AI and its applications” as well as a focus on “technology being an enabler for economic growth, employment and better opportunities.”

Echoing the sentiment of MP Chris Bryant from earlier in the conference, Kyle shared the need for “digital inclusion in broadband as well as in digital skills,” meaning those in hard-to-reach and rural areas are not left out of a digital revolution.

He also mentioned the roll-out of Project Gigabit, the government’s flagship £5bn programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband, as well as the increase in connectivity.

Currently around 80% of the UK is covered by gigabit broadband, up from just 6% in 2019, and the UK is on track to achieve 85% by 2025.

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles
on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free
sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

We are confident about the
unique
quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most
beneficial
decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by
submitting the below form

By GlobalData

Tick here to opt out of curated industry news, reports, and event updates from Verdict.

Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Kyle also mentioned his disappointment at the speed and efficiency of the previous government with regards to planning and strategy for advancements in technology, a reoccurring theme from most Labour politicians at the conference.

There was also talk of the government’s plans for improving online safety and the risks that go alongside technological advances with a “better, safer online world” being at the forefront of politicians’ minds.

Peter Kyle has previously written to Dame Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, regarding Ofcom’s approach to ‘small but risky’ online services, stating he was “keen to understand how Ofcom will monitor these small but risky online services” as well as how Ofcom will use the full force of enforcement.