The UK government is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict how MPs will react to policies, revolutionizing the way ministers gauge parliamentary approval.
The Rise of AI in Government: Predicting Parliamentary Reactions
The UK government is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to predict how MPs will react to policies, a development that has been described as a “parliamentary vibe check.” This innovative tool, called Parlex, is part of the Humphrey suite of AI systems being developed for ministers and civil servants.
How Parlex Works
Parlex uses a search function to analyze previous contributions in parliament and predict how MPs are likely to react to a given policy. For example, if a policy such as a 20mph speed limit is inputted into the tool, it will show which Tory MPs have historically opposed the change and which Labour MPs have spoken in favor of traffic calming measures.
AI Tools for Efficient Governance
The government’s strategy for spending £23bn a year on technology contracts will be changed to boost opportunities for smaller tech startups. The Parlex tool is described as allowing policy teams to understand the political climate and anticipate potential challenges or support for a policy before it is formally proposed. This “vibe check” will enable ministers to build a parliamentary handling strategy.
Other AI Tools in Development
In addition to Parlex, other AI tools being developed include Minute, which transcribes and summarizes meetings with ministers, and Lex, which helps analyze and summarize the effect of laws on policy issues. The government plans to extend the use of technology in public services, including ending the need for people to queue at their local council to register a death or boosting the use of AI in job centers.
Unlocking Public Data
The government’s plan features a potentially controversial scheme to unlock public data to help fuel the growth of AI businesses. This includes anonymized NHS data, which will be available for “researchers and innovators” to train their AI models. Ministers believe AI can help tackle Britain’s anaemic economic growth and deliver an economic boost rising to up to £470bn over the next decade.
Incubator for Artificial Intelligence
The Incubator for Artificial Intelligence inside No 10 has now moved to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The unit said at the end of last year there were 22 projects in incubation and 11 in the development pipeline. Another tool in development is Redbox, which allows civil servants to automate submissions to ministers by analyzing government papers, including ones that are marked “sensitive.
