Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Developing AI Capacity and Expertise in UK Defence 2025-01-13

13 January 2025 · 9 other contributors

Opened by Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

DefenceScience & Technology

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Emma Lewell-Buck raised concerns about developing ai capacity and expertise in uk defence 2025-01-13 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The report highlights the need for the Ministry of Defence to align its rhetoric with reality regarding artificial intelligence.
  • The MOD's current approach, which includes rigid procurement processes and delays in security clearances, hinders innovation and collaboration with smaller tech companies.
  • The report recommends embracing flexibility, clarity in leadership, and improvements in digital infrastructure to support a thriving defence AI sector.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab South Shields

The report highlights the need for the Ministry of Defence to align its rhetoric with reality regarding artificial intelligence. It emphasises the importance of becoming 'AI-native' rather than merely 'AI-ready', as technology evolves rapidly. The MOD's current approach, which includes rigid procurement processes and delays in security clearances, hinders innovation and collaboration with smaller tech companies. The report recommends embracing flexibility, clarity in leadership, and improvements in digital infrastructure to support a thriving defence AI sector.

Other contributors (9)
  • James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk

    Acknowledges the importance of retaining operational freedom regarding ethical issues and emphasises the need for better engagement with small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in sharing confidential information to foster innovation.

  • Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough

    Questions whether there is a gap between MOD's rhetoric and reality regarding AI implementation. Stresses the importance of implementing recommendations to make AI an integral part of the toolkit rather than a novelty.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Queries if there is sufficient expertise within the MOD to assess new weapons systems involving artificial intelligence, noting historical challenges in selling revolutionary ideas to military chiefs and civil servants.

  • Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield

    Compliments the report's focus on being at the cutting edge of AI development, especially given recent developments in Ukraine. Emphasises the importance of aligning with international initiatives such as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology declared by the UN for 2025.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    Suggests future work should consider integrating ethical and legal considerations from previous reports, particularly focusing on international law compliance as AI technology advances in defence applications.

  • Helen Maguire LD Epsom and Ewell

    Ms Maguire thanked Mrs Lewell-Buck for her report and raised questions about when the Government would outline a timetable for incorporating ethical issues into policy. She also inquired about how effectively MOD would work with international companies to reduce security risks.

  • Lewell-Buck

    Responding to Ms Maguire, Mrs Lewell-Buck noted that her answers were outside the scope of their report and highlighted that the previous Government had responded to the Lords' report. She emphasised collaboration with allies and NATO on defence projects.

  • Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood

    Mr Twigg congratulated Mrs Lewell-Buck for her leadership in compiling the report and highlighted the importance of rapid adaptation to AI changes, suggesting that the MOD should lead rather than follow. He also advocated for harnessing SMEs' potential to benefit defence.

  • Lewell-Buck

    In response, Mrs Lewell-Buck thanked Mr Twigg and agreed on the need for rapid adaptation in AI while highlighting cultural change required within MOD to facilitate better collaboration with SMEs.

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