The Council for Science and Technology urged the UK government to develop an AI sovereignty plan so it can make strategic choices about artificial intelligence and pursue its own priorities.
The council sent its advice to the Minister for AI in July 2026, and it was published Oct. 19. The council defines AI sovereignty as having enough influence across AI development and use to meet the UK’s goals, capture economic and public value, and remain resilient under pressure.
The proposed plan would start with a clear overview of the country’s AI ecosystem. The council also recommended clearer governance and coordination to guide government decisions about AI capability.
Its other recommendations call for investment in skills, data and public trust to support domestic capability over time. The council said the UK should develop selected AI capabilities at home while retaining trusted access to leading models.
The letter presents these steps as advice to ministers on how the UK can preserve its ability to choose how AI serves its national aims.
