UK government consulted 137 businesses on AI datacentres, but not environmental groups

Businesses consulted, groups excluded

The investigation found no meetings with environmental groups. Although officials met some civil society organisations, the report said those discussions happened just days before the policy was launched and did not provide meaningful input.

Officials moved into AI roles

The investigation identified 38 senior officials who left government. Nine had worked at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which has played a central role in shaping Britain’s AI strategy.

Power demand and environmental concerns

The policy was intended to enable large datacentre construction in Britain, including facilities bigger than any previously built in the country. The projects, often involving US technology companies, were presented as a source of thousands of jobs.

The Guardian has reported that plans to power the developments, including claims about purpose-built renewable energy, lack realism. Government departments also appear to differ over the electricity required and the resulting environmental costs.

Calls for community involvement

Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, said public opposition in the US should warn the government to seek greater community input. She said communities should help shape AI and datacentre growth and share in its benefits.

Spotlight on Corruption compared the UK with Canada, Germany and Australia. It said those countries consulted more widely and used stricter environmental criteria, concluding that the UK had “fallen behind equivalent jurisdictions” in developing an equitable strategy.