LONDON — The UK government has launched a new AI Taskforce designed to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across public services and make the technology a central part of Britain's long-term economic strategy.

Former Government Chief Scientific Adviser Lord Vallance has been appointed chair, with the taskforce reporting directly to Prime Minister Andy Burnham. AI Minister Kanishka Narayan will lead the taskforce and attend Cabinet meetings as the government seeks to coordinate AI policy across departments.

The new unit will focus on using AI to transform public services, support economic growth and increase technology adoption across government. Responsibility for the existing AI Security Institute will also move into the Office for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

The government says the taskforce will operate with clear accountability and a delivery-focused approach, drawing comparisons with the UK's former Vaccines Taskforce. Its work is expected to cover areas including public-sector transformation, AI security and wider national technology strategy.

The move signals a significant shift in Britain's approach to artificial intelligence. Rather than treating AI simply as an emerging technology sector, ministers are positioning it as a tool for reshaping government services and the wider economy. The effectiveness of the new taskforce will now depend on how quickly its strategy translates into practical improvements for citizens and businesses.