The UK government’s zeal for artificial intelligence was significantly tempered by financial reality during talks with OpenAI. A grand vision for a £2 billion national ChatGPT Plus subscription, discussed by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, collided with the hard truth of its unaffordability.
Minister Kyle is a known and vocal champion of AI, having advocated for its use both within government and across the private sector. His enthusiasm for the technology is a driving force behind the UK’s proactive engagement with leading AI firms.
This zeal was evident in the willingness to even entertain a proposal of such magnitude. However, the minister’s role also requires fiscal responsibility. According to sources, Kyle himself was the one who dismissed the idea, recognising that the £2 billion cost was not a justifiable use of public funds.
This episode perfectly illustrates the internal tension within the government’s AI strategy. There is a strong desire to be bold and lead the world, but this ambition is constantly checked by the practical constraints of a national budget, leading to a more cautious and measured approach in practice.