AI Superintelligence

Lord Ranger of Northwood Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government are taking a proactive, evidence-led approach to the potential emergence of advanced AI. We have empowered the AI Security Institute, the world’s first state-backed body of its kind, to carry out onerous testing of frontier models against clear red lines, including autonomous self-replication and deception. In the last couple of months, the AI Security Institute has conducted more than 30 such tests, and will be working with partners to ensure that AI is safe for the general public.

[Lord Ranger of Northwood (Con)]

My Lords, I have always welcomed the approach the Government have taken to regulation in the AI space, particularly a proportionate approach, considering where we are in the development of AI businesses and technologies—in a global battle. With regard to artificial general intelligence—the singularity—it must be stated that most experts predict this to happen between 2040 and 2045, if at all. But right here, right now, the UK is in a global battle, particularly the SMEs that are developing businesses in AI here, creating jobs and investing. I appreciate that it has now been a year since the Government produced their AI opportunities action plan, but can the Minister please advise the House what has been done to help the UK AI SME industry to win government contracts? The concern I hear—I declare an interest as a co-founder of the Business AI Alliance, with over 200 UK AI SME members—is that these companies cannot get the contracts the Government are putting out.

[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.