UK government adopts new AI tools

An initiative that aims to revolutionise public services and boost the economy.

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The UK government is exploring new AI tools to streamline public services and assist ministers and civil servants. Among these is Parlex, a tool that predicts how MPs may react to proposed policies, offering insights into potential support or opposition based on MPs’ previous parliamentary contributions. Described as a ‘parliamentary vibe check,’ the tool helps policy teams craft strategies before formally proposing new measures.

Part of the AI suite Humphrey—named after the Yes Minister character—Parlex and other tools aim to modernise government operations. These include Minute, which transcribes ministerial meetings, and Lex, which analyses the impact of laws. Another tool, Redbox, automates submission processing, while Consult is projected to save £80 million annually by improving public consultation processes. The Department for Work and Pensions has also utilised AI to analyse handwritten correspondence, accelerating responses to vulnerable individuals.

The broader government strategy, unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasises integrating AI into public services while balancing privacy concerns. Plans include sharing anonymised NHS data for AI research under stringent safeguards. Ministers believe these innovations could address economic challenges and boost the UK’s economy by up to £470 billion over the next decade. However, past missteps, such as erroneous fraud accusations stemming from flawed algorithms, highlight the need for careful implementation.