Benedict Macon-Cooney, chief policy strategist at the TBI, said the tech provided the chance to “reimagine how the state works.” “This should excite those in the progressive tradition,” he said.
But if Labour’s quasi-Thatcherite rhetoric is making techies swoon, it could put it on a collision course with the left.
Seeking assurances
Shortly after Kyle vowed to cut red tape for tech firms, Labour members passed a motion raising concerns over the use of AI in the workplace.
The motion, brought by two trade unions, said AI can violate “basic human rights” and accelerate “rampant profiteering.” It called on the party to urgently introduce legislation which protects workers from the impacts of the emerging technology.
Conscious of these concerns, Labour’s front bench has sought to reassure its base.
During his speech, Kyle said a Labour government would harness AI and “put it to work for everyone from every background.” Darren Jones, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, urged companies and unions to work together, citing the example of Rolls-Royce, which consulted extensively with workers before deploying tech.
