The Prime Minister has set out a series of measures to spread the benefits of artificial intelligence more widely, including AI tutors for poorer pupils and a new tool to help people back into work. Speaking about Britain's place in a fast-changing economy, he framed the announcements as a way of making sure that working people are not left behind as technology advances. The message was that AI should create opportunity rather than be something to endure.
One of the headline commitments concerns schools. The government plans to roll out AI tutors to the 450,000 children on free school meals, in an effort to close the attainment gap between poorer pupils and their peers. The aim is to give disadvantaged children access to extra support that could help level the playing field in the classroom.
A second announcement is aimed at those out of work. The Prime Minister unveiled a new AI jobs tool designed to help people find the right roles, create their CVs and get back into employment. It is being presented as a practical use of the technology to tackle one of the most pressing concerns for many households.
The plans build on a target the government set a year ago. The Prime Minister said he had pledged to upskill 7.5 million workers with AI training by 2030, and reported that 1.7 million workers have already received that training. He linked the effort to wider policies on apprenticeships, higher education reform, technical learning and a youth guarantee.
He also pointed to ways AI is already being used in public services. According to the Prime Minister, the technology is delivering faster diagnosis in the NHS, reducing court backlogs and speeding up planning decisions. These, he argued, are real benefits already being felt by people in different parts of the country.
On a separate issue, the Prime Minister returned to the safety of children online. He warned that if technology companies choose not to solve the problem themselves, the government will act and change the law. When it comes to protecting children, he said, standing by is not an option.