AI Policy: Zero Environmental Meetings

The UK government drafted its AI and datacenter policy without a single meeting with environmental groups, according to a report released on Monday. The nonprofit Spotlight on Corruption found that senior officials prioritized industry consultations over environmental impact assessments during the policy's development.

The investigation focused on the creation of AI growth zones, a key component of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's economic agenda. The report identified a revolving door effect, noting that 38 ministers, civil servants, and special advisers moved to AI companies between July 2024 and September 2026. Nine of these individuals came from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which led the AI strategy. Departing officials included a former minister for AI and intellectual property, a former AI adviser to the prime minister, and a former director of AI opportunities.

Spotlight on Corruption submitted 40 freedom of information requests to 18 government agencies over a 12-month period. The responses revealed that ministers and senior civil servants met with 137 businesses regarding the growth zones. In contrast, senior officials met with only two community groups and no environmental organizations. The report stated that the few meetings held with civil society groups occurred days before the policy launch, limiting their influence on the final text.

Kamila Kingstone, a campaign lead at the organization, said the government failed at the senior level to speak to environmental NGOs. She noted that this occurred despite the serious environmental implications of the plans. The growth zones are designed to accelerate economic growth and create jobs through large datacenters in five regions. Some of these sites will be larger than any previously built in the country, often in partnership with US tech firms.

Opposition to datacenters has increased across Britain, with protests occurring in locations such as Auchtertool north of Edinburgh and Brick Lane in east London. Chi Onwurah, the MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, argued that the backlash should prompt the government to seek more community input. She stated that AI benefits must be shaped by the communities that host the infrastructure.

The report compared the UK process with those in Canada, Germany, and Australia, finding that those countries consulted more widely and set tougher environmental criteria. It concluded that the UK has fallen behind equivalent jurisdictions. A government spokesperson said datacenters should create jobs and strengthen supply chains while prioritizing clean power. The spokesperson added that local authorities in England hosting growth zones will keep all additional business rates generated by the projects.