Keir Starmer Visits UCL East

Image Courtesy: UCL Imagestore

On Monday Jan 13, Keir Starmer visited UCL East to discuss the future of AI. In a speech at the campus, the UK prime minister outlined the government’s AI opportunities action plan, including AI growth zones and an AI energy council. He added that the opportunities offered by AI were “incredible”.

The government website defines growth zones as “areas with enhanced access to power and support for planning approvals to accelerate the build out of AI infrastructure on UK soil,” while the AI energy council will consist of experts who can provide insight into the energy needs of AI, essential to its successful implementation.

Starmer explained, “AI can help teachers plan lessons tailored to your children’s specific needs and save hundreds of thousands of hours lost to missed NHS appointments, because it can identify those on the list most likely not to turn up and get the support that they need.” Other key benefits include that “AI can spot potholes quicker, reduce job centre form-filling, help in the fight against tax avoidance, and almost halve the time social workers spend on paperwork.”

Starmer was given a tour of the manufacturing futures lab in the Marshgate building. The lab focuses on creating the next generation of sustainable manufacturing technologies. Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, accompanied the prime minister during the visit. They both met UCL researchers who are working on the medical uses of AI.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was also at the event. UCL’s President and Provost Dr Michael Spence said he was “delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to our new campus.”