AI Superintelligence

Lord Clement-Jones Excerpts

Tuesday 3rd February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government recognise both the pace of AI development and the need to ensure that it is safe and inclusive. We have set out the proportionate, principal SPACE framework, enforced by existing regulations, to ensure safety, transparency and accountability. We are also working with international partners to prevent fragmentation. We will legislate where necessary, but we will do so carefully, ensuring that legislation is effective and inclusive, without stifling innovation and keeping the United Kingdom globally competitive.

[Lord Clement-Jones (LD)]

My Lords, I declare an interest as a consultant for DLA Piper on AI regulation and policy. In the debate on AI last week, the noble Baroness, Lady Lloyd of Effra, mentioned the Council of Europe framework convention on AI. She rightly said that it is seeking

“to establish a clear international baseline that grounds AI in our shared values”.—[Official Report, 29/1/26; col. 1129.]

Fine words, my Lords. The framework convention would set binding duties on the UK to ensure that AI is compatible with human rights, democracy and the rule of law, plus some more specific obligations on risk management, transparency, accountability and remedies. When will the UK ratify it, and what plans is it making to implement it?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, AI risks do not respect national borders and require sustained international leadership. I am pleased that the United Kingdom remains at the forefront, convening global partners to build shared understanding of frontier risks and mitigation. We work with the G7, the G20, the OECD, the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Through multilateral forums and bilateral partnerships, we are championing international safety standards and promoting transparency. Our approach ensures that global governance is rooted in democratic values and human rights, fostering a secure, responsible environment in which innovation can flourish safely across all territories.