Keir Starmer

Former UK Prime Minister who reframed AI policy from safety toward growth in January 2025, then in 2026 moved to bring AI chatbots under online-safety law over risks to children before resigning in July 2026.

Roles

1 Nov 2008 – 1 Nov 2013Director of Public Prosecutions, Crown Prosecution ServiceSource →
7 May 2015 – 1 Sept 2026Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras, House of CommonsResigned his seat, triggering a by-election.Source →
4 Apr 2020 – 17 Jul 2026Leader of the Labour Party, Labour PartySource →
5 Jul 2024 – 20 Jul 2026Prime Minister, United KingdomAnnounced his resignation on 22 June 2026 after record local-election losses; succeeded by Andy Burnham.Source →

On the record

15 Apr 2026 · Statement · 10 Downing Street
When that comes with real risks, looking the other way is not an option.
Prime Minister, United Kingdom at the time
On the risks social media and online services pose to children; three months before he resigned.
PM calls social media companies into Downing Street →
16 Feb 2026 · Statement · Al Jazeera
Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up.
Prime Minister, United Kingdom at the time
Announcing that AI chatbot providers would be brought under the Online Safety Act.
UK's Starmer announces crackdown on AI chatbots in child safety push →
13 Jan 2025 · Speech · UCL East, London
When it comes to regulation – we will be pro-growth and pro-innovation.
Prime Minister, United Kingdom at the time
Same speech; he also described some reaction to AI as "fears of a small risk".
PM speech on AI Opportunities Action Plan: 13 January 2025 →
13 Jan 2025 · Speech · UCL East, London
We shouldn't just focus on safety and leave the rest to the market. Government has a responsibility to make it work for working people.
Prime Minister, United Kingdom at the time
The speech marked a shift from the previous government's safety framing toward growth.
PM speech on AI Opportunities Action Plan: 13 January 2025 →