The UK government has warned that the concentration of advanced artificial intelligence development in a small number of overseas jurisdictions could pose strategic risks to Britain’s security and freedom of action.
In a written parliamentary answer to Labour MP Chris Bloore, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said frontier artificial intelligence presents both significant opportunities and potential challenges for the UK.
“Artificial intelligence (AI), including frontier AI, presents both risks and opportunities for the UK,” Pollard said.
He noted that much of the most advanced AI capability is currently being developed outside the United Kingdom, creating potential vulnerabilities for national security and defence planning.
“The concentration of AI capability development in a small number of overseas jurisdictions raises challenges, in terms of balancing delivery of the capabilities we want with the assurance and freedom of action we need,” he said.
Pollard said the government is addressing these risks through a combination of international cooperation, industry engagement and domestic investment.
“The Government manages these strategic implications through close cooperation with trusted allies, engagement with industry, and sustained investment in domestic capability and skills.”
Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasing role across defence, intelligence and security systems, with governments seeking to ensure access to advanced technologies while reducing dependence on potentially vulnerable supply chains.
