Former Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick has outlined plans for Reform UK to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across government services, aiming to reduce welfare fraud and cut administrative workloads. Speaking on Sunday, Jenrick emphasized the potential for AI to deliver significant savings for taxpayers and improve productivity within the public sector.
Jenrick argued that the British government is currently lagging behind other countries in adopting AI technologies. He cited examples from Sweden and the United States where AI has enhanced efficiency—such as halving radiologists’ workloads in breast cancer screening and preventing approximately £3 billion in payment fraud within the US Treasury. By contrast, Jenrick noted, only about one-third of NHS staff have access to basic AI tools that could reduce their administrative burden, and just one in five local government employees currently use AI as part of their work.
Reform UK’s proposals include deploying AI to combat benefit fraud, which Jenrick said has doubled over the past six years, reaching an estimated £10 billion annually in fraud and error. He also highlighted plans to cut administrative tasks for doctors and nurses, freeing more time for patient care. The party aims to reduce the overall civil service headcount to levels seen before Brexit, targeting savings of around £7 billion while increasing efficiency through smart technology.
Research supports the view that AI could transform public sector productivity. An analysis from the Department for Work and Pensions suggested AI tools might free up to 40 percent of staff time, potentially yielding productivity gains close to £1 billion annually. Separately, government analysis indicated that embracing AI across the public sector could lead to savings of up to £45 billion per year.
Experts express some caution regarding the current scope and use of AI in government. Neil Ross of consultancy Public First observed that AI is mainly deployed for routine tasks such as managing emails and error checking. He noted that Singapore has gone further by using AI to provide citizens with personalized access to services. Karen McLuskie of the Tony Blair Institute described AI as having the potential to "transform the machinery of government," reflecting widespread enthusiasm about its future role.
Jenrick also emphasized the importance of AI safety and governance, mentioning Reform UK’s AI Safety Institute, which aims to ensure responsible development and deployment of the technology. He called for international cooperation to manage risks related to AI over-development and stressed the need to hold technology companies accountable.
In addition to AI initiatives, Reform UK intends to promote industrial policies focused on reshoring manufacturing and increasing energy affordability, with a goal of creating “rewarding jobs” as automation changes the workforce. The party also plans to prioritize data infrastructure development within the UK to reduce dependence on foreign countries.
Jenrick framed AI as a pivotal technological revolution comparable to the steam engine or the internet and urged the government to capitalize on this opportunity to maintain Britain’s position as a leader in innovation.