First Cabinet-Level UK AI Minister
Summary
On 20 July 2026, the newly appointed UK Prime Minister, Mr Andy Burnham, announced the first cabinet-level Minister for Artificial Intelligence: Mr Kanishka Narayan, a Member of Parliament and Professor of AI and Public Policy. The elevation of the AI minister role to cabinet has been reported as a sign of the UK government’s increased focus on AI.
Under the former UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Narayan also had responsibilities in relation to technology, though in a more junior position, spanning issues relating to the AI Security Institute, semiconductors and online safety. In creating a cabinet-level role, the UK follows France and Canada as G7 nations that have established senior AI positions in government.
The announcement came alongside news that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which previously oversaw initiatives in relation to AI and technology, including international partnerships such as the US–UK Artificial Intelligence for Realistic Science and the US–UK Quantum Science & Technologies programme, is to be dissolved. Its responsibilities will be split between a few other government departments, including a newly formed Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
