Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Artificial Intelligence

20 October 2021 · 1 other contributor · 4,705 words

Opened by Nicholas Fletcher

Responding minister: George Freeman

EmploymentBrexitScience & Technology

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nicholas Fletcher raised concerns about artificial intelligence in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about AI technology advancing rapidly and potentially replacing jobs in multiple sectors.
  • Fletcher cites examples such as driverless cars, AI for X-ray diagnostics, self-service kiosks, lawn mowing robots, and AI replacing teaching assistants.
  • Fletcher asks the government to establish a coding college in Don Valley and to clarify how democracy will be safeguarded through international work on AI norms and standards.

Key requests to Government

Fletcher asks the Minister to establish a new college in Don Valley specialising in coding to prepare the workforce for the coming changes. He also requests clarification on how democracy will be underpinned through international work with partners to shape norms and standards regarding AI, ensuring it does not subvert democratic processes.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Nicholas Fletcher

Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about the rapid advancement of AI technology and its potential to decimate jobs across various sectors, including call centres, fast food restaurants, driving jobs, warehouse work, retail, postal services, parking, security, education, health, and defence. He cites examples like driverless cars, X-ray diagnostics by AI, self-service kiosks at McDonald's, lawn mowing robots, and the replacement of teaching assistants with AI in classrooms. Fletcher also raises concerns about the psychological impact on individuals who are replaced by AI, noting that even a renowned Go player was left feeling worthless after being outperformed by an AI programme.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    UK GDP could be up to 10.3% higher by 2030 because of artificial intelligence, which impacts consumption-side product enhancements and widens consumer choice. The hon. Member supports the idea that the Government should back AI brokers to ensure a skilled workforce.

Government Response

George Freeman

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Davies and respond to my hon. Friend's issues, which were well made and well heard. My role as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation centres on two key projects: being a science superpower and building an innovative economy harnessing technology and innovation post-Brexit and pandemic challenges. Fundamental is spreading the benefits of AI beyond London and Cambridge to regions like South Yorkshire. AI already benefits society in areas such as drug discovery, cyber-security, agritech, air traffic control, gaming, and environmental sustainability. Public trust is crucial; I led a report on values-based regulation for innovation, ensuring standards reflect our national values while supporting the Prime Minister's commitment to end the low-wage economy dependent on overseas labour by raising productivity and wages through AI and other technologies. The UK ranks third globally in AI development and deployment, behind only the USA and China, with twice as much venture capital investment into AI companies compared to France or Germany. Since 2018, we have made concerted efforts to improve the skills pipeline for industry and upskill/redeploy workers through postgraduate conversion courses, scholarships, doctoral training centres, and apprenticeships. The National Centre for Computing Education supports wider reach and access to AI courses. We established the Alan Turing Institute, Office for AI, independent AI Council, and Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) following recommendations from the Royal Society and British Academy. CDEI engaged widely with the public on AI transparency standards in the public sector, which are now nearing completion. Internationally, we chair the Global Partnership on AI data working group and lead discussions on AI ethics and potential regulations at the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and OECD.

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