UK urged to back AI charter as readiness doubts grow

ICS.AI has called for a UK Sovereign AI Charter after research found many Britons do not think the country is ready for AI. The proposal has backing from Luke Murphy MP.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted for ICS.AI found that 49% believe the government is not moving quickly enough to prepare the country for large-scale technological change. It also found that 58% think Britain is not well prepared for AI's impact on jobs and the economy.

The findings suggest a public mood that mixes concern about readiness with growing acceptance of AI in daily life and work. While fears about disruption remain, respondents were more likely to identify economic and public service benefits than to reject the technology outright.

More than seven in 10 people surveyed, or 71%, said the cost of living crisis was their biggest current concern. That put it well ahead of the risk of war on 16% and AI itself on 13%.

When asked about the country's biggest long-term challenge, 29% chose economic recession. A further 20% pointed to fewer opportunities for young people entering the workforce.

Against that backdrop, 48% of respondents said they would prefer AI-powered public services that deliver faster outcomes. That was three percentage points higher than six months earlier.

AI use also appeared to be becoming more routine. The survey found that 40% already use AI regularly at work, while 46% said they use it frequently in their personal lives.

Public priorities

Asked about the biggest opportunity for the UK from AI, respondents were most likely to cite economic growth and higher productivity, at 22%. Better healthcare outcomes followed at 16%, with faster, more accessible public services on 15%.

Respondents also appeared to favour oversight over speed alone. Almost half, or 49%, said the UK's priority should be ensuring AI is trustworthy and well regulated. That compared with 24% who said developing AI domestically should come first and 20% who prioritised affordability and effectiveness.

The polling also found support for limits on younger users. Two thirds of respondents, or 67%, said they support restricting AI tools for under-16s, rising to 72% among women.

ICS.AI said the proposed charter would set out practical principles for responsible AI adoption in Britain. It also wants to explore creating a national action group involving AI businesses, policymakers and industry organisations to make recommendations on wider adoption across the economy and public sector.

Martin Neale set out the case for that approach.

"Britain has the talent, research capability and ambition to become a global AI leader, but our findings suggest that despite recent government initiatives, the public does not believe we are moving quickly enough. People are not asking us to slow down on AI. Quite the opposite.

"They want AI that helps grow the economy, improves public services and creates opportunities, but they also expect clear leadership and responsible governance. If Britain wants to compete internationally, we need to accelerate adoption while ensuring AI is deployed safely, transparently and in ways that genuinely improve people's lives," said Martin Neale, chief executive officer and founder of ICS.AI.

Political backing

Murphy welcomed closer cooperation between policymakers and the sector and pointed to moves within government that signal the issue's rising profile.

"The UK has an opportunity to be a global leader in AI, but success will depend on combining innovation with responsible governance, and that is the approach the government is taking.

"I am also pleased to see Andy Burnham has appointed the first ever AI minister to the Cabinet, which demonstrates the importance of the issue within government.

"Initiatives that encourage collaboration between policymakers and industry, while focusing on practical adoption and public trust, will be an important step towards ensuring AI delivers tangible benefits for people, public services and the wider economy," said Murphy.

The proposal comes as debate over AI policy in Britain broadens beyond research funding and frontier model development. Questions around labour market disruption, public service reform, access rules for younger users and national competitiveness are moving closer to the centre of the discussion.

For ICS.AI, the survey suggests voters want the UK to pursue AI adoption with clearer safeguards rather than hold back. The clearest signal in the results was not opposition to the technology, but doubt over whether the country is ready for the changes it may bring.