AI Superintelligence

Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

First, the noble Lord is absolutely right to highlight this issue. I really welcome his continued engagement on this. Small and medium-sized enterprises are vital to AI-driven growth. The Government are supporting SMEs through a whole series of targeted innovation funding, access to test bids—which is available now—and digital adoption programmes, alongside partnerships with research institutions. By lowering barriers to experimentation, we enable smaller firms to enhance productivity and compete more effectively. This ensures that the economic benefits of AI are shared across the country, fostering a diverse and resilient digital economy throughout the United Kingdom.

[Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Lab)]

My Lords, building on the work that my noble friend the Minister has outlined, and considering that AI is changing the world of work and that superintelligence poses an even greater threat to the UK job market, can my noble friend outline what the Government are doing to reassure workers who are worried about the future of their jobs?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely right, and this Government will not be a bystander as people worry about what AI means for their jobs and their children’s prospects. AI will create new jobs but it will also change work and, regrettably, will replace some jobs. Change is inevitable. The consequences are not. We will support people throughout this transition by investing in skills and growth, including by establishing the new AI and the Future of Work Unit within DSIT, working with DWP and DBT, to co-ordinate action across government—although I note that however advanced these machines become, they are not yet standing at this Dispatch Box.