Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, to what extent their Department makes use of artificial intelligence in the implementation of its policies; and how much was spent from their Department’s budget on artificial intelligence in each of the last three years.

Artificial Intelligence presents significant opportunities for FCDO to increase the impact of the outcomes it delivers, its operational efficiency and the service we provide to UK citizens abroad.

The Department is undergoing extensive digital modernisation and will be making use of automation technologies, including Artificial Intelligence where appropriate, to support and enhance the products and services that underpin the delivery of Consular, diplomatic and development outcomes and our corporate operation.

The specific information requested on Artificial Intelligence spend within digital budgets is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate costs.