Department of Research, Studies and International News 06-02-2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has opted not to attend the upcoming global summit on artificial intelligence (AI) set to take place in Paris, despite the presence of key world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. His absence from the high-profile event, which aims to shape international discourse on AI, could be perceived as a diplomatic slight, particularly by Macron, who has placed significant emphasis on the summit’s success.

A Shift in Priorities for the UK Prime Minister

According to sources close to Downing Street, Starmer’s decision is primarily driven by his commitment to domestic policies, which he has made a central focus of his tenure. The prime minister has previously faced criticism for prioritizing international engagements over pressing national matters. His schedule for the summit’s first day, February 10, reportedly includes a visit focused on housing-related policies within the UK. Additionally, he is expected to be present in Parliament for an important vote on the government’s immigration bill.

While No. 10 has downplayed any potential diplomatic fallout, some political observers argue that skipping the summit may be a missed opportunity for Starmer to engage with key figures shaping global AI policy. The Paris event is part of a series of AI conferences that began under former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who launched the initiative with a summit at Bletchley Park in 2023. That gathering was widely regarded as a diplomatic achievement, bringing together influential leaders such as then-U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The outcome was a landmark international declaration on the responsible development of AI, amid rising concerns about the risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence.

Potential Diplomatic Repercussions

By declining to attend, Starmer not only risks straining relations with Macron, but he may also miss an opportunity to connect with influential figures from both the political and business spheres. The United States will be represented by Vice President JD Vance, a key figure in Donald Trump’s administration. Additionally, industry insiders speculate that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, the founder of AI company xAI, might also be present at the summit in a business capacity.

A spokesperson from Downing Street emphasized that the UK remains committed to advancing AI and strengthening international cooperation in the field. “The power and potential of evolving technologies like AI are rightly being harnessed by the UK and our allies,” the spokesperson stated. “The prime minister recently launched our AI action plan to ensure Britain continues to be a leader in the field, fostering economic growth and creating new job opportunities.”

Starmer’s decision has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who argue that failing to attend the summit undermines Britain’s position as a leader in the AI sector. Alan Mak, the Shadow Science and Innovation Secretary, accused Starmer of jeopardizing the UK’s influence in global AI policymaking. “The Conservatives hosted the first AI safety summit, solidifying the UK’s status as a world leader in the field,” Mak said. “By choosing to skip this important event, Keir Starmer is putting that legacy at risk and diminishing Britain’s role on the international stage.”

For Emmanuel Macron, the Paris summit represents a defining moment in his presidency and a chance to assert France’s leadership in the global AI landscape. The French president has consistently championed AI development as an “existential challenge” for the country. The summit is expected to serve as a platform for France to attract international investments in AI research and technology, similar to its annual “Choose France” summit, which promotes the country as a hub for major foreign corporations.