The United Kingdom's new AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, will now attend cabinet meetings, signaling an elevated importance for artificial intelligence within the government. However, this move coincides with the dissolution of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which was established in 2023 by the previous Conservative administration.
DSIT's responsibilities will be redistributed among other government departments, meaning the role of technology secretary, previously held by Liz Kendall, has been eliminated. Kendall was removed from this position by the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Narayan, who was appointed by Sir Keir Starmer, stated that his invitation to cabinet as minister for AI demonstrates the prime minister's "deep commitment to AI's importance." Narayan, who was born in India and raised in Cardiff, entered Parliament in 2024 as the Member of Parliament for the Vale of Glamorgan. His prior experience includes work in government and business.
As Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State under Sir Keir Starmer's government, Narayan's portfolio encompassed AI opportunities, the AI Security Institute, semiconductors, and online safety. He is expected to continue overseeing some of these areas, albeit without Kendall's direct leadership.
"AI is likely the most significant technology in human history. Its impact will dwarf other things," Narayan posted on X. He expressed optimism about AI's potential to foster a "reindustrialised Britain, stronger national security, [and] public services transformed for the better." Simultaneously, he acknowledged the risks associated with AI, including concerns about employment and the rapid pace of technological change, stating it is "right that the British public shares those worries."
Dom Hallas, head of the tech trade body, the Startup Coalition, emphasized the need for continued momentum in technology initiatives despite DSIT's dismantling. He noted that the former department had laid a solid groundwork and that the current priority should be the widespread adoption of AI technology across government and the public sphere.