Prime Minister Keir Starmer is gearing up to introduce a bold “digital transformation” in government, aiming to integrate artificial intelligence into tasks traditionally handled by civil servants – an initiative he claims will save taxpayers billions. However, unions are pushing back, urging him to tone down the rhetoric against Whitehall workers.
Under the proposed guidelines, officials will be instructed to adhere to a new principle: “No individual should dedicate significant time to a task if AI or digital systems can perform it more efficiently, quickly, and to the same high standard.” Starmer estimates that this efficiency drive could unlock a staggering £45 billion in savings, even before AI is fully implemented. To support the transition, the government plans to recruit 2,000 tech apprentices into the civil service.
Despite the promises of modernization, critics argue that Starmer’s vision risks leading to drastic budget cuts and the unfair targeting of civil servants. Some have compared the move to Elon Musk’s workforce reductions in the U.S., warning that AI could gradually replace government employees rather than assist them. With Britain at the forefront of this shift, the big question remains: Will other European nations follow suit?
