London will need to resolve its deeply conflicted relationship with Big Tech and AI
The British government under Starmer faces a dilemma: promote the UK as a tech hub for growth while addressing public concerns about tech's harms. Starmer's "Janus-faced approach"—supporting tech while imposing strict regulations—is deemed unsustainable, creating "self contradictions." This reflects an unresolved conflict within the establishment regarding American Big Tech, dividing Labour between economic advantage and sovereignty. Geopolitical factors also influence this debate. The author predicts that external pressures, specifically from US actions regarding AI, will eventually force Britain to choose a side, ending its current state of indecision and half-measures.
LiveMint · mint · Jun 18, 2026 at 9:30 AM