UK Tony Blair Institute and ministers warn Britain must act on AI and tech chokepoint risks to avoid strategic dependency

The Tony Blair Institute and UK ministers including Liz Kendall are calling on Britain to address risks from technology chokepoints — critical AI infrastructure and digital supply chains dominated by a small number of US and Chinese providers. Sifted reports the push reflects growing concern in Westminster that UK dependence on foreign AI platforms is a national security and economic vulnerability.

The framing mirrors EU sovereignty debates but emphasizes the UK's post-Brexit position outside EU regulatory frameworks. Enterprise leaders in UK regulated sectors — especially finance, health, and defence supply chains — should expect tightened procurement guidance around non-UK AI infrastructure over the coming policy cycle.