Advances in the field of AI represent huge opportunities for the UK. It will affect how democratic discourse is conducted, how public services are delivered, how legislation is made and will be essential to the growth agenda in the coming years. Such rapid developments will have a lasting impact on our society, affecting all aspects of policy.
At Demos, we believe that to realise the full benefit of AI for the UK, technological progress must be aligned with the needs and values of our citizens. As such, and to enable effective scrutiny, it is critical that MPs have a good understanding of AI, including its possible opportunities, potential risks, and implications for our society.
The AI Parliamentary Scheme is designed to empower MPs with in-depth knowledge and literacy around AI, enabling them to confidently engage in informed decision-making on this important issue.
About the scheme
The scheme will launch for the first time in 2025 and run over a six-month period between January and July. All MPs have been invited to participate, but the final cohort will be selected to ensure balance across the House.
The scheme is designed by Demos to give Parliamentarians the opportunity to learn more about artificial intelligence in a policy context. We have put together an educational programme, consisting of lectures, panel discussions and visits, with voices from technology, academia and civil society, to equip Members with insight into how these technologies are created and applied, and to encourage discussion around the policy implications for the UK.
All content has been designed in partnership with Google, and in collaboration with our wider network of partners, ensuring a plurality of voices across the wider policy context. The programme will cover a range of different AI technologies, and their applications across platforms and industries. Crucially, discussion will ensure a share of voice across industry, academia and civil society to give a broad and varied understanding of AI and the issues surrounding it.
If you have further questions about the scheme, please contact Head of Research for Digital Policy, Hannah Perry.
