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Artificial Intelligence Safety Summit
09 November 2023
Lead MP
Michelle Donelan
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Science & Technology
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Michelle Donelan raised concerns about artificial intelligence safety summit in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today, I update the House on a significant milestone in the UK's AI sector. The country has seen a 688% increase in AI companies over less than a decade, with scale-ups raising almost double that of France, Germany, and other European countries combined. However, the rapid advancement in AI presents both immense opportunities and potential risks. Last week, we convened an international summit at Bletchley Park, where leaders from 28 countries and the EU signed the 'Bletchley declaration', agreeing on principles for human-centric, trustworthy, and responsible use of AI. This includes measures to protect human rights, ensure transparency, fairness, accountability, safety, oversight, ethics, bias mitigation, privacy, and data protection. Additionally, an international agreement was secured on pre-deployment testing of models by governments, led by the Turing prize winner Yoshua Bengio for a state-of-the-art report. The UK will establish a permanent AI safety institute to conduct third-party testing, with funding confirmed for the rest of the decade. Future summits are scheduled in South Korea and France, ensuring continuous international collaboration. Beyond this summit, our White Paper ensures agility and responsiveness in legislation as risks evolve, without rushing into inadequate regulation. Pre-deployment testing is a critical achievement, essential to mitigate AI risks responsibly. Companies also committed to publishing safety policies, fostering transparency and competition. The minister emphasises the transformative potential of AI while stressing the importance of safety governance to prevent misuse and uphold societal trust.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
Questions the Secretary of State about the scope and function of the new AI safety institute compared to the previous taskforce, and how much computing power it will have for AI research. Also asks if there is a mechanism in place to compel companies developing advanced AI to join voluntary schemes.
Minister reply
Responds by detailing the role of the AI safety institute as an international body focusing on evaluating models and conducting safety research, with the UK's taskforce merging into this new entity. The minister outlines that while there is still work ahead in securing necessary computing resources for research, the Government remains committed to ensuring the safe development and deployment of frontier AI through international collaboration and voluntary agreements.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
Questions the Secretary of State about why the new institute does not identify new uses for AI in the public sector. He also asks about UK computing capabilities and the Government’s plans to regulate frontier AI.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of building public trust but emphasises existing initiatives like £100 million investment in health missions and more than £2 million for teachers' workload reduction. Addresses computing concerns by mentioning a £900 million exascale programme announcement. Refers to multiple regulators who will work towards principles outlined in the White Paper, highlighting international collaboration as key.
Question
Congratulates the Government on convening the summit and its success but questions why legislation was not included in the King’s Speech despite intentions to legislate. He also points out progress made by other jurisdictions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for proper understanding of risks before legislating, noting investment in expert teams and international collaboration through “state of the science” reports. Emphasises that while legislation is eventually necessary, it’s important not to rush without adequate understanding.
Question
Questions the Secretary of State about the exclusion of devolved Administrations from participation in the summit and requests assurances for future involvement.
Minister reply
Meets counterparts from devolved Administrations but clarifies that AI is not a devolved matter, hence representation by UK Government.
Question
Asks about how AI safety will get integrated into national security and if there are plans to work with the National Cyber Force centre.
Minister reply
Acknowledges cyber-security’s importance, highlighting prioritisation of this area in the UK. Reiterates ongoing dialogue with Members regarding these initiatives.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
Question
Why were the creative industries excluded from the AI summit, despite their significant disappointment and existential concerns about AI's impact on them? The MP emphasises the sector’s importance as one of the fastest-growing parts of the UK economy.
Minister reply
The summit was focused on strategic discussions about frontier technologies, risks, and opportunities, which meant not everyone could be included. However, extensive pre-summit roundtables were held with the creative industries to gather input.
Ben Everitt
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Question
The MP praises Milton Keynes as an excellent location for hosting global events and investing in technologies such as AI, highlighting its historical significance.
Minister reply
Agrees that Bletchley Park was a fitting venue due to its historical importance and proximity to Milton Keynes’ vibrant tech scene.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
Calls for cross-party discussions on AI regulation in the future, noting that while there is consensus now, legislation must transcend political changes to ensure continuity.
Minister reply
Offers willingness to engage with members across all parties to discuss future actions and potential legislation.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
The MP inquires about the timeline for setting up an AI safety institute, referencing proactive model checking discussed at the summit. He also seeks lessons from vaccine regulation.
Minister reply
Explains that the institute has already begun work as part of a taskforce and will conduct pre-deployment testing on models within six months.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
The MP questions whether the UK is lagging behind in AI regulation, citing concerns about hostile states weaponising AI. He asks for an urgent assessment on this issue.
Minister reply
Defends the UK's lead on social media legislation and highlights ongoing work to address risks of AI amplifying existing threats.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
The MP inquires about the potential advantages for individuals from harnessing artificial intelligence, emphasising opportunities it presents for improving lives.
Minister reply
Outlines numerous benefits of AI including job creation and enhancement, early cancer detection, and climate change mitigation.
Neale Hanvey
SNP
Dumfries
Question
The MP requests a meeting to discuss how domestic businesses developing AI models for virus surveillance can be brought forward as part of a coordinated strategy.
Minister reply
Agrees to meet the hon. Member.
Deidre Brock
SNP
East Renfrewshire
Question
The MP criticises the exclusion of devolved governments from the summit and urges rapid regulation, citing EU progress.
Minister reply
Defends UK's approach to AI regulation as innovative and agile, highlighting success in attracting leading companies.
Shadow Comment
Matt Rodda
Shadow Comment
The Labour party welcomes the international agreements made at Bletchley Park, aiming for more collaboration in future summits. We support the creation of an AI safety institute but have questions about its scope and function compared to the previous taskforce. Concerns were raised over insufficient UK computing power for AI research. The shadow expresses doubt about voluntary measures given the Prime Minister's warnings on potential misuse by terrorists or criminals, demanding urgent binding regulation rather than relying solely on non-mandatory commitments. Labour calls for legislation on frontier AI development to ensure public safety and security.
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