UK ministers had plenty of time for AI datacenter bosses, but none for environmental groups
A Spotlight on Corruption report found stark imbalance in UK government consultation on AI datacenters: 84% of stakeholder meetings were with businesses, while environmental groups had zero ministerial meetings and community groups saw only two meetings after decisions were already finalized. The report questions transparency and public input into Britain's AI Growth Zone strategy, which aims to attract investment in AI infrastructure despite potential impacts on electricity, water, and local communities.
Key points
- Environmental groups had no meetings with UK ministers about datacenters
- Business stakeholders dominated 84% of consultation meetings
- Community engagement occurred only after decisions were already made
- Raises transparency concerns for AI Growth Zone strategy
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