Louise Haigh, the First Secretary of State and de facto deputy prime minister, warned that artificial intelligence presents “huge risks” to national security unless proper safeguards are swiftly introduced. Speaking at the TUC congress in Brighton on 15 September 2026, she acknowledged the technology’s potential to boost public services, business growth and scientific progress, but stressed that public anxiety over jobs, safety and the future for children is justified. Her remarks came as the UK government prepares to work internationally on AI governance, while highlighting the need for trade unions to have a central role in shaping the technology’s deployment.
Warnings at the TUC Congress
Haigh told delegates that AI’s “immense potential to improve lives” must be balanced against clear dangers. “We must heed the warnings of those who are at the forefront of developing this technology,” she said, adding that without the right guardrails there are “clearly huge risks to our national security and society.” She framed the government’s approach as a solemn duty to mitigate harm and ensure AI benefits the wider population rather than a privileged few.
Union Involvement and Worker Protections
When asked whether unions should influence AI implementation to protect workers, Haigh replied that working people need to be at the heart of the debate. “As we go forward in all the reform around AI, working people need to be at the heart of the AI debate, and we’re committed again to working with trade unions and employers on this,” she stated. She insisted that any productivity gains from AI should be felt by employees, not merely by shareholders or tech executives. Her comments followed a brief absence by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who withdrew after the death of his father, leaving Haigh to address the trade union audience directly.
Government Response and Parliamentary Scrutiny
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds echoed concerns about public unease but urged confidence in existing UK safeguards, warning against both complacency and exaggeration. “We should neither be complacent nor should we be hyperbolic about this,” he told BBC Breakfast. Meanwhile, the Commons Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Committee has summoned the AI Security Institute to give evidence on 13 October. Committee chairman Liam Byrne noted that public anxiety over unfettered, inadequately governed AI development has “multiplied” over the past week, underscoring the urgency of legislative oversight.
Transatlantic Contrast: US Dismissal
The UK’s cautious stance contrasts sharply with the position of US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly dismissed AI fears as a “hoax.” Trump argued that any slowdown in American progress would advantage Chinese firms and rejected calls for stronger government oversight from industry figures such as Dario Amodei of Anthropic, Sam Altman of OpenAI and Elon Musk of SpaceXAI. On his Truth Social platform he wrote: “The only control or “guardrails” that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades!”
Why it Matters
Haigh’s intervention signals a decisive shift in UK policy, placing worker protection and national security at the core of AI strategy. By insisting that trade unions shape the technology’s rollout and linking safety measures to democratic oversight, the government aims to avert the kind of unchecked disruption warned of by experts. The upcoming parliamentary hearing and the clear transatlantic divide could set a precedent for how advanced economies balance innovation with accountability in the years ahead.
