# UK AI Safety Plan Lags as Government Shifts Focus

> UK government faces backlash for delaying AI safety laws despite rising risks
- Title: UK AI Safety Plan Lags as Government Shifts Focus | Shortify
- Summary: UK government faces backlash for delaying AI safety laws despite rising risks UK's AI safety efforts have stalled after leadership changes, with experts…
- Keywords: safety, government, starmer, burnham, downing street, ai risks, labor party, nuclear, climate, ai regulation, Plan, Lags
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/18/a-critical-moment-concern-uk-is-not-up-to-speed-in-acting-on-ai-risks
- Published: 2026-09-18T14:57:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: uk, ai, safety, government, starmer, burnham, downing street, ai risks, labor party, nuclear, climate, ai regulation
## AI Safety Review Stalled
Former prime minister Keir Starmer's government began planning AI safety laws but abandoned them before his departure.

> Right now is a critical moment for tech as an economic and national security issue
## New AI Safety Concerns
Recent AI incidents including autonomous cyber-attacks and claims of existential risks have intensified government focus.

> We really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans
## King Charles Steps In
King Charles convened an emergency meeting with AI executives to emphasize technology must serve humanity.

> The task before you is not merely to advance technology, but to ensure that it remains firmly in the service of humanity
## Government Cuts AI Department
Andy Burnham eliminated the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, moving AI oversight to the Cabinet Office.

> The structure was a bit bloated in DSIT, but the fragmentation we have now has had a much worse impact
## Public Fear Grows
Two-thirds of Britons believe AI could end human civilization, up from 10% last year.

> Just over a third of Britons see AI as the third potential cause of human extinction
## AI Safety Institute Response
The UK safety institute claims it can monitor AI tools even after they launch without prior review.

> We have teams of talented AI researchers working on research projects based on both pre-release and post-release testing
## Industry Calls for Action
Tech leaders urge stricter regulation, saying current government oversight lacks power to address AI risks.

> We support stronger UK rules for the handful of companies developing the most powerful AI systems
## International Coordination Needed
Experts argue UK must collaborate with other nations to create effective AI safety regulations.

> If together we say we require you to pass your models through our safety institutes
## AI Safety Timeline
The UK government has allocated £115m for AI safety but faces delays in implementing new regulations.

> Nothing is off the table. Where further regulation, legislation, stronger protections or new powers are needed, we will act
## Existential Risk Debate
Some experts warn AI could kill all humans within the next decade, while others believe it's a manageable risk.

> AI could kill all humans within the next decade
## Political Priorities Shift
Government focuses on immediate economic issues, raising concerns about AI safety being neglected.

> The government’s response to an existential threat cannot be to throw its hands up in the air and say there is nothing we can do
## G20 Summit Opportunity
Experts suggest UK should prioritize AI safety during its upcoming G20 host role to build international cooperation.

> The AI safety conversation at the moment is around international collaboration on safety testing
## Key takeaway

UK's AI safety efforts have stalled after leadership changes, with experts warning of dangerous delays