Artificial intelligence has been placed at the centre of government decision-making following the launch of the Prime Minister’s new AI Taskforce, with Lord Vallance appointed as Chair.
The new body has been created to accelerate the adoption of AI across government, transform public services and drive economic growth throughout the UK. The government hopes the Taskforce can replicate the success of initiatives such as the Vaccines Taskforce, which demonstrated how a focused team with direct accountability to the Prime Minister can deliver major national outcomes.
The AI Taskforce will report to Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo and newly-appointed AI Minister Kanishka Narayan, while Lord Vallance will report directly to the Prime Minister.
Speaking following the announcement, Lord Vallance said:
“I’m delighted to be appointed Chair of the AI Taskforce and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. This government is sending a signal that’s clearer than ever before about its commitment to realising the opportunities of AI and Science and Technology.
“The potential to transform public services, drive growth and improve people’s lives is immense, and I intend to make sure we deliver on it.”
The Taskforce will be based within the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (OPMC), alongside No.10, No.10 North and core Cabinet Office functions. Working closely with First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, the unit will be responsible for directing and implementing the government’s AI strategy and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector.
AI Minister Kanishka Narayan highlighted the significance of the technology and its role in the government's long-term ambitions.
“AI is likely the most significant technology in human history. That is why it is now at the UK Cabinet’s table, so we can reindustrialise with AI, secure our country, and support our public services.
“I am delighted that Lord Vallance will work with me on the AI Taskforce, so we can draw on his unique mix of scientific expertise, experience in government and a relentless focus on delivery. We will focus on using AI to boost growth, strengthen public services and create opportunities in every part of our country.”
A key responsibility of the Taskforce will be enabling public sector transformation through the effective deployment of AI technologies. Responsibility for the existing AI Security Institute will also transfer to the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, bringing the government’s AI capabilities closer to the centre of decision-making.
Lord Vallance is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading figures across science, academia, government and industry. His appointment reflects the government’s ambition to strengthen collaboration between these sectors as it seeks to harness AI to improve public services and create economic opportunities.
Alongside his new role leading the AI Taskforce, he will also become Chair of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. The initiative brings together local authorities, universities and businesses to unlock innovation and tackle barriers to economic growth across one of the UK's most significant innovation regions.
His appointment builds on his previous role as Ministerial Champion for the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
Lord Vallance served as the UK Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser between 2018 and 2023, providing independent scientific advice during some of the country's most challenging periods. He is particularly recognised for his leadership of the Vaccines Taskforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping oversee the rapid delivery of the UK vaccination programme.
Most recently, he served as Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, working across the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
The creation of the AI Taskforce signals the government's intention to make artificial intelligence a central pillar of public sector reform, economic growth and national competitiveness in the years ahead.
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