Embracing Leadership in a Transforming World
Esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
As the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, I stand before you today to outline how Britain intends to provide leadership in a world that is continually evolving over the next decade, drawing upon the lessons we’ve learnt from the previous one.
It has now been a decade since Brexit, a period marked by significant disruption for my nation. This experience has afforded us a unique vantage point, one that I am eager to share with you this evening.
Britain is making a resolute comeback. We are in the process of restoring stability and fostering a more vibrant economy, one that seeks to engage in trade on a global scale and collaborate to address the shared challenges we face.
However, we have also recognised the necessity of adaptation to navigate the complexities of our current era. It is imperative that we redistribute power within our nation, bringing it closer to the citizenry. We must strive harder to combat the forces of division and instability that threaten us, employing not only hard power but also softer, more insidious tactics that instil fear and despair.
Our commitment extends to assisting individuals in managing the everyday challenges of rising living costs while simultaneously seizing the opportunities that inspire hope for the future. Moreover, we must harness the remarkable potential of technology to enhance lives across our society.
Prioritising National Security and Social Cohesion
Addressing the issues of division and instability begins with a focus on national security. We will continue to invest in our defence capabilities, honouring our NATO commitments and bolstering European security measures. Our resolve to enhance our hard power and deterrent capabilities will be unwavering.
Yet, we will not engage in the provocative rhetoric that characterises Russia’s approach. Unlike them, we do not seek confrontation. Instead, we shall remain prepared but calm, clear-eyed yet composed, firmly committed to safeguarding our people and our allies.
Resilience is fundamentally rooted in military strength, but the past decade has taught us that true security is intertwined with the strength of our social fabric. A cohesive society is the bedrock of national security, and this underpins all that we hold dear and aspire to achieve.
Regrettably, this social cohesion has been under siege. In recent years, we have witnessed a concerted assault on the information landscape in the UK and many of our allies, orchestrated by hostile actors. Russian agencies have employed every tool at their disposal to disseminate falsehoods and exploit public fears.
Combatting Disinformation and Protecting Democracy
The methods employed include the use of bots, fake websites, falsified news articles, and the impersonation of reputable British organisations, including universities and the BBC. We have observed efforts to amplify far-right narratives and interfere in the democratic process, evidenced by attempts to influence the 2019 General Election.
Moreover, hostile actors have sought to incite unrest following tragic events. It is utterly repugnant that anyone would exploit such situations for their gain. The Kremlin’s annual expenditure of approximately £1.3 billion on information manipulation represents an insidious campaign that infiltrates the homes of citizens, distorting their perceptions of their own nation and community, fostering a narrative of decline, division, and despair.
We have also faced cyber-attacks targeting our institutions and businesses, and we are acutely aware that artificial intelligence will only exacerbate these threats. We can no longer afford to tiptoe around these issues. Over the last decade, we have conceded too much ground to those who propagate a negative and corrosive narrative about life in Britain—one that bears no resemblance to reality.
Building Resilience and Opportunity for All
As we enter this new decade, we will adopt a markedly different approach, confronting these challenges with our eyes wide open. We will take pride in defending our values and the rule of law, whilst empowering our citizens to build resilience in their own lives. Security begins within the home; those grappling with the cost of living or young individuals lacking employment, education, or training are particularly vulnerable to negative influences.
This challenge necessitates lifting our citizens and creating the opportunities they require. As inequalities widen, societies become increasingly at risk. Therefore, we will prioritise making life more affordable, placing this commitment at the heart of a new ten-year plan for Britain, which we will unveil later this year.
To counteract this toxic tide, I am directing our security leaders to initiate work on a new National Centre for Information Defence. This centre will focus on detecting, attributing, and disrupting hostile state information attacks, thereby supporting and defending our democracy.
Collaborative Solutions for Global Challenges
Recognising that this is a shared challenge, we are determined to leverage our experience to assist other nations grappling with similar issues. We have already extended our support to Moldova in safeguarding its elections from Russian interference. As elections loom across Europe, many countries are facing these challenges for the first time, and we are prepared to share our insights and strategies for responding to these threats, which are vital for collective security and resilience.
To effectively confront division and instability, we must explore new avenues for fostering collaboration between nations. Our strength lies in unity, and we are most effective when we work together to solve common problems. This gathering reminds us of the monumental progress achieved through international cooperation, such as the eradication of smallpox and the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Addressing Global Issues with Renewed Ambition
It is this spirit of ambition that must guide us as we seek to revitalise the United Nations for contemporary challenges. We must focus on crucial issues such as enhancing global health and preventing future pandemics, as well as resolving ongoing conflicts that inflict tremendous suffering, such as the crisis in Sudan. Furthermore, we must confront the climate crisis, which has emerged as a national security threat, as evidenced by the extreme weather events witnessed this past summer.
Britain will continue to take the lead alongside our allies in combating this existential threat, not only to protect future generations but also to harness the economic opportunities presented by the transition to clean energy.
As we raise our aspirations, I firmly believe the UK is uniquely positioned to act as an honest broker in facilitating progress. Our close ties with the United States, our deepening relationships within the European Union, and our collaborations with emerging powers like China, India, and Brazil, place us in a prime position to unite efforts globally. We are ready to embrace this role.
Harnessing the Potential of Artificial Intelligence
One of the most significant challenges and opportunities of our time is Frontier AI. This technology encapsulates many pressing issues we face today. It is already expediting cancer diagnoses in the UK, with the potential to not only assist in treatment but also to contribute to cures. AI will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, transforming education, and enhancing our safety.
Today, I am pleased to announce the development of a new AI defence partnership with the United States, aimed at safeguarding our critical national infrastructure. However, we must acknowledge that AI also presents disruptions to our way of life and amplifies risks. The concerns surrounding this technology are valid, and we must address them with urgency.
It is essential that decisions regarding this technology are made by elected representatives accountable to the public, rather than being left to chance. We must ensure that individuals receive the assistance they need to navigate this transformation, turning it into a catalyst for reindustrialisation and opportunity.
Learning from History to Shape the Future
History has lessons to impart, particularly from the first industrial revolution that began in Northern England two centuries ago. It was a period of unprecedented technological advancement, yet it brought significant hardship and exploitation for workers. We must not allow history to repeat itself; we must ensure that we get it right this time.
The UK is home to some of the finest tech and AI talent globally. In our pursuit of security against potential risks, we have established the world-leading AI Security Institute, collaborating closely with the United States and leading AI safety laboratories. However, we must go further.
I am excited to announce that as part of our G20 Presidency next year, AI will be a focal point. Reflecting on our response to the 2008 financial crisis, we acted swiftly within the G20 and smaller groups to deliver practical responses, establishing principles that were adopted globally. This is the approach we must replicate now.
Global Collaboration for a Safer Tomorrow
We will convene the right stakeholders to address key issues: maximising the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks. Our aim is to establish a unified set of global principles and standards that ensure transparency and accessibility, enhancing our preparedness and ensuring safe AI development. This initiative will build on proposals from various nations, including those put forth by Norway recently.
As His Majesty King Charles noted, our task is not merely to advance technology but to ensure that it serves humanity’s best interests. I want to reassure the British public that we will take all necessary measures to protect their interests, including enacting new legislation if required.
However, safeguarding our citizens is not sufficient on its own. In this perilous and tumultuous era, it