UK AI datacentre policy drafted without environmental group meetings

The UK government drafted its strategy for artificial intelligence and datacentres without holding a single meeting with environmental organizations, according to a new investigation. This finding highlights a gap in the consultation process for a policy that aims to reshape the national economy through large-scale technology infrastructure.

Spotlight on Corruption, a nonprofit organization, released the report after analyzing 40 freedom of information requests sent to 18 government agencies. The requests covered the period from July 2024 to June 2026. The responses indicated that ministers, permanent secretaries, and directors general involved in the policy met with 137 businesses. Some companies met with officials multiple times. In contrast, senior government officials met with only two community groups and zero environmental organizations.

The policy, known as AI growth zones, was a central part of the economic agenda of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The plan intends to create jobs and boost the economy through large datacentres in five regions. Some of these facilities would be larger than any previously built in the country. The projects often involve partnerships with US technology companies. The strategy was designed to turbocharge economic output, though previous inquiries have questioned the financial assumptions and job projections behind the plan.

The investigation also identified a pattern of personnel movement between government and the tech industry. It found that 38 ministers, senior civil servants, and special advisers took jobs at AI companies between July 2024 and September 2026. Nine of these individuals came from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, which leads Britain's AI strategy. Departures included a former minister for AI and intellectual property, a former AI adviser to the prime minister, and a former director of AI opportunities.

Kamila Kingstone, a campaign lead at Spotlight on Corruption, stated that the government failed to speak to environmental NGOs or community groups at the most senior level. She noted that this occurred despite the serious environmental implications of the plans. The report adds that the few meetings held with civil society groups took place just days before the policy launched, limiting their ability to influence the final document. Many business meetings were likely not disclosed because the policy was led by special adviser Jade Leung, whose role has less stringent transparency requirements.

Opposition to new datacentre projects is increasing across Britain. Protests have emerged in locations ranging from Auchtertool, a village north of Edinburgh, to Brick Lane in east London. Chi Onwurah, the MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, argued that this backlash should prompt the government to seek more community input. She said it is critically important that AI benefits communities and is also shaped by them.

The organization compared the UK process with those in Canada, Germany, and Australia. It found that those countries consulted more widely and set tougher environmental criteria. The report states that the UK has fallen behind equivalent jurisdictions in this regard. A government spokesperson responded by saying that datacentres should create British jobs and benefit host communities. The spokesperson added that local authorities in England hosting growth zones will keep all additional business rates generated.

The next step involves local planning processes, which handle community benefits. The government stated it wants to work closely with industry, local authorities, environmental groups, and communities to ensure clean power and responsible water use. The final decisions on individual sites will rest with these local bodies as they review specific proposals.