The UK government developed its policy on datacentres and artificial intelligence (AI) growth zones without significant consultation with environmental groups, according to an investigation by the nonprofit organisation Spotlight on Corruption. The policy, introduced under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is a key part of the government’s economic strategy aimed at expanding the country’s datacentre infrastructure to support AI development.
Between July 2024 and June 2026, ministers, senior civil servants, and special advisers held meetings with 137 businesses connected to the datacentre sector, but officials engaged with only two community groups and no environmental organisations. The investigation, based on 40 freedom of information requests submitted to 18 government bodies, highlighted a “considerable revolving door” between government and the AI industry, with 38 senior officials—including a former AI minister, advisers to the prime minister, and directors—moving to positions in AI companies between July 2024 and September 2026.
AI growth zones were promoted as a way to “turbocharge the economy” by constructing large-scale datacentres across five UK regions, some exceeding existing size records, with backing from major US technology firms. The government argued these projects would generate significant employment opportunities. However, critics have questioned the underlying assumptions of these claims, citing a lack of audited financial data and optimistic job creation forecasts. There are also concerns about the environmental impact and feasibility of powering these centres using purpose-built renewable energy sources, with conflicting estimates emerging from different government departments on electricity demands and sustainability costs.
Public opposition has been growing in various locations, including rural Auchtertool near Edinburgh and urban Brick Lane in east London. Some lawmakers and campaigners have warned that inadequate community involvement risks backlash akin to that seen in the United States, where datacentre projects have spurred protests and political consequences.
Chi Onwurah, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, emphasised the need for AI and datacentre development to be informed by and benefit local communities. “It is critically important that AI benefits communities and is also shaped by them,” she said, citing concerns from US experiences where local consultation was limited.
Spotlight on Corruption’s report also noted that the UK’s approach lags behind peers such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, which have conducted broader stakeholder consultations and imposed stricter environmental standards on datacentre development.
A government spokesperson maintained that datacentres should support British jobs, strengthen supply chains, and deliver community benefits while prioritising clean energy and responsible water use. They noted that local planning processes consider community benefits for most datacentre proposals. The government has announced measures allowing local authorities in AI growth zones to retain all business rates generated by these sites, aiming to bolster local investment.
The investigation raises questions about the transparency and inclusiveness of the UK’s AI growth zone policy as the country seeks to position itself as a leader in AI technology while balancing environmental and social concerns.