UK tech execs call for £20 billion sovereign AI investment

UK tech leaders including BT, HPE, Telefónica Tech and Leonardo have urged the government to invest at least £20 billion over five years in sovereign AI. In an open letter they call for a ten-year cross-party strategy, changes to planning and energy policy, and a fast-track procurement route for AI.

• Letter signed by Cosine, PA Consulting, BT, Telefónica Tech, Leonardo, HPE, Kainos and Sopra Steria
• At least £20 billion over five years sought for compute, power and data centers
• A ten-year cross-party Sovereign AI Strategy is proposed
• The government previously launched a £500 million Sovereign AI fund