AI Minister Says She Doesn't Use AI at Work
Liz Kendall, the cabinet minister responsible for artificial intelligence policy, does not use AI tools in her job. She uses the technology only in her personal life, she told the BBC this week.
Kendall is the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary. She just announced a £500m government fund to back British AI companies, framing the investment as essential to national security and economic prosperity.
Speaking during a demonstration of a driverless car, Kendall said: "I use AI personally rather than at work, I've got to be honest. I'm much more likely to use it in my personal life."
Her most recent use was practical. After a skin reaction to a face cream, she used AI to cross-reference ingredients across multiple products to identify the common allergen. She verified the AI's suggestion against the National Eczema Society's guidance, then consulted a pharmacist before buying the recommended cream. It worked.
Government Tools Remain Underused
Her predecessor, Peter Kyle, introduced government-wide AI tools called "Humphrey" a year ago. He said staff should use them because "no one should be wasting time on something AI can do quicker and better."
Cabinet colleagues have not embraced the tools at the same pace. When Kendall worked at the Department for Work and Pensions, job centre staff did use AI to rewrite CVs for jobseekers and to summarize consultation responses.
The New Statesman reported that British laws are being written by AI without public disclosure. Kendall rejected this, saying: "It's certainly not written any of my laws that we're doing around social media and online safety."
Jobs Concerns and Skills Training
Driverless car technology poses a direct threat to existing work. England has 381,000 taxi and private hire vehicle licences, with 123,000 in London alone. These roles could disappear as autonomous vehicles mature.
Kendall acknowledged the concern. "Jobs will be created, jobs will change, some jobs will go, but new ones will take their place," she said.
The government plans to offer free AI skills training to 10 million workers as part of its response. Kendall said: "We shouldn't just leave people to cope with this inevitable jobs transition on their own. We need to upskill the nation."
Asked about safety risks from AI, Kendall said she has no concerns about how the technology is developing. A YouGov poll last year found 75% of Britons worry AI could pose a threat to humanity.
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