AI scepticism threatens UK’s ‘superpower’ ambitions, says Tony Blair Institute

Government urged to win public trust in AI

More Britons believe AI poses an economic threat than see it as a driver of opportunity, according to new polling from the Tony Blair Institute (TBI).

The think tank said the findings risk undermining Keir Starmer’s vision of turning the UK into an AI “superpower” and urged the government to prioritise winning public trust in the technology.

The survey of more than 3,700 adults found 38% of respondents view AI primarily as an economic risk, compared with just 20% who see it as an opportunity. Lack of trust emerged as the greatest barrier to adoption.

Jakob Mökander, TBI’s director of science and technology policy, said that Britain’s chances of competing with the US and China in AI development are slim, meaning its best hope lies in becoming a world leader in adoption.

“The UK will not become an AI superpower unless the government manages to build broad public trust in the technology,” Mökander said.

The government has made AI central to its growth strategy, with Starmer declaring earlier this year that “Britain will be one of the great AI superpowers”. But concern over jobs and economic disruption remains high. TBI itself has forecast that between one and three million private sector roles could be displaced by AI, though the overall impact would be softened by new jobs created in its wake.

AI regarded as a risk

The poll also highlighted a sharp divide between users and non-users. More than half of those with no direct experience of AI said they regarded it as a risk, compared with only a quarter of regular users.

To counter negative sentiment, TBI is calling for regulation that makes AI “trustworthy” and visible campaigns that demonstrate tangible benefits such as shorter NHS waiting lists or greater workplace efficiency.

The institute set out five recommendations: expand public access to AI, showcase practical use cases, track and publish evidence of benefits, regulate responsibly and roll out nationwide programmes to build AI skills.

A government spokesperson told The Guardian: “Public trust is critical to the safe use of AI. We are investing in building AI skills and supporting adoption across the economy.

“Around 10 million workers are expected to use AI in their daily roles by 2035, so ensuring they have the confidence and capability to do so is essential.”