The UK and Canada have renewed their partnership on artificial intelligence security, building on the UK-Canada Science of AI Safety Partnership established in May 2024 and the UK-Canada Growth and Innovation Partnership signed in 2025.
The enhanced collaboration brings together Canada's world-leading AI research expertise and the UK's strengths in AI testing and evaluation. The move is designed to help both nations strengthen their understanding of emerging AI risks while supporting responsible innovation and economic growth.
The announcement represents the latest step in a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening global AI security and governance. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at pace, both governments are seeking closer international cooperation to ensure opportunities are maximised while potential threats are effectively managed.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently underlined the UK's ambitions on the global stage, committing to place AI at the centre of the country's G20 Presidency next year. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last month, he highlighted the need for international collaboration to unlock AI's benefits while addressing safety concerns.
Canada has also taken a leading role in global AI governance efforts. Prime Minister Mark Carney signed the Call for Control of Frontier AI Models during the UN General Assembly on 21 September, while Minister Solomon convened a meeting of like-minded ministers on 18 September to strengthen international cooperation on AI safety.
As longstanding allies, the UK and Canada already work closely together on national security and technology issues. Through the Five Eyes cyber security partnership, both countries jointly called on organisations in June 2026 to address rapidly evolving cyber risks linked to artificial intelligence.
The renewed agreement expands the original partnership signed in 2024 and focuses on three core areas of cooperation.
1. Developing AI Security Standards
Both governments will work together to develop interoperable AI security standards that can be recognised and adopted internationally. The aim is to support consistent best practice across borders and identify areas for future collaboration on global AI security frameworks.
2. Strengthening Information Sharing
The partnership will enhance information-sharing arrangements, including the use of appropriate Five Eyes channels for sensitive reporting. Officials will also exchange lessons on building domestic resilience and share best practice to protect economies, public services and wider society from emerging AI-related threats.
3. Expanding Technical Cooperation
The UK and Canada will increase their technical collaboration through regular exchanges on frontier AI capabilities, emerging risks and evaluation methodologies. The agreement also explores staff exchanges and coordinated evaluation activities to deepen institutional relationships and accelerate knowledge sharing between both countries.
For public sector leaders, the strengthened UK-Canada partnership highlights the growing importance of international cooperation in AI governance, security and resilience. The agreement reflects a broader recognition that AI risks and opportunities are global in nature, requiring governments to work together on standards, safety evaluation and threat mitigation.
As both nations continue to invest in AI innovation, the renewed partnership seeks to ensure that technological progress is matched by robust security measures, helping organisations adopt AI safely and responsibly.
Image credit: iStock
