UK Government Consults 137 Businesses on AI Datacentres, Excludes Environmental Groups

The UK government’s approach to datacentres and artificial intelligence (AI) has come under scrutiny following an investigation that revealed a lack of engagement with environmental organizations. This inquiry, conducted by the nonprofit Spotlight on Corruption, alleges that key aspects of the government’s “AI growth zones” initiative were shaped predominantly by interactions with the technology sector, with minimal input from community stakeholders or environmental groups.

According to the report, a significant “revolving door” phenomenon was observed, wherein 38 ministers and senior officials transitioned into high-ranking positions within AI companies over a two-year period from July 2024 to September 2026. This trend raises concerns about the influence of corporate interests on policy-making.

As senior officials accepted roles at prominent AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic, government departments largely neglected to consult with parties outside the tech industry. Kamila Kingstone, a campaign lead at the NGO, remarked on the failure of government officials to engage with environmental NGOs or local community groups when formulating significant policies related to AI datacentres, despite the apparent environmental ramifications of such plans.

Over the span of a year, Spotlight on Corruption submitted 40 freedom of information requests across 18 government agencies to obtain data on meetings and financial investments pertaining to the growth zones, which aimed to foster AI development nationwide.

The investigation indicated that while top officials met with 137 businesses to discuss UK datacentre policies, only two community groups were consulted, and there was no engagement with any environmental organizations. Of the officials who left government, nine hailed from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which played a crucial role in designing the UK’s AI strategy.

The AI growth zones represent a significant government initiative aiming to proliferate datacentres across five regions, with promises of economic uplift and job creation. However, critics, including investigations by The Guardian, have questioned the financial viability and realistic job creation outcomes, suggesting that projections may have been overstated.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental implications of these plans. Recent reports indicate inconsistencies among government departments about the energy consumption of the anticipated datacentres and the feasibility of sourcing renewable energy to power them. Meanwhile, public dissent is mounting against planned datacentre developments, with protests emerging from various communities across the UK.

Chi Onwurah, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, highlighted the increasing backlash as a signal for the government to enhance community consultation processes. She noted the situation in the United States, where significant public opposition has led to political ramifications, reinforcing the need for local engagement in decisions surrounding datacentres and AI initiatives.

The Spotlight on Corruption report asserts that prior policy discussions had predominantly revolved around business interests. It points out that even when civil society groups were mentioned, their discussions were often conducted shortly before policy announcements, lacking substantial impact.

Furthermore, many meetings involving businesses and the administration may not have been disclosed, attributed in part to the role of special adviser Jade Leung, who operated under less rigorous transparency standards compared to other officials.

When comparing the UK’s strategy to countries like Canada, Germany, and Australia, the report notes that these nations engaged in more comprehensive consultations and established stricter environmental criteria during their datacentre policy developments, suggesting that the UK is lagging behind on these fronts.

A government spokesperson commented, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the commitment to ensuring datacentres generate local benefits while prioritizing sustainable practices. Plans had already been announced to allow local authorities to retain additional business rates from datacentre developments in AI growth zones.