UK government met 137 businesses over AI datacentres – but no environmental groups
Spotlight on Corruption's investigation found a significant revolving door in UK AI policymaking, with dozens of ministers, civil servants and advisers hired by AI companies between July 2024 and September 2026. The government's "AI growth zones" policy was shaped entirely through consultations with business stakeholders, with environmental organizations excluded from discussions. This lack of environmental input raises concerns about the sustainability implications of rapid datacentre expansion.
Key points
- 137 meetings held with businesses on AI datacentre policy, zero with environmental groups
- 38 government officials moved to AI company roles during policy development period
- AI growth zones were central to former PM Starmer's AI strategy
- Environmental concerns appear absent from policy deliberation
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