UK Declines to Sign Global AI Declaration at Paris Summit

A decision rooted in national interest, the UK government asserts, as 57 countries endorse a joint statement on AI governance.

On February 12, 2025, the United Kingdom opted not to sign an international communique on artificial intelligence (AI) during the AI Action Summit held in Paris.

The summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, concluded with a declaration signed by 57 countries, including major economies like India and China, as well as the European Union and the African Union Commission.

UK Communities Minister Alex Norris explained that the government's decision was made independently and was not influenced by the United States, which also refrained from endorsing the communique.

Norris emphasized that the UK government bases its decisions on what is deemed best for the British public.

The communique, titled "Inclusive and Sustainable Artificial Intelligence for People and the Planet," was welcomed by many attending nations as a step toward establishing a collaborative framework for the governance of AI. However, the British government cited the declaration’s lack of "practical clarity" regarding global governance and its failure to address concerns related to national safety as reasons for its non-participation.

Reports suggested that the US declined to sign due to apprehensions about specific terms in the document, particularly phrases advocating for "open," "inclusive," "transparent," and "sustainable" AI development.

US Vice President JD Vance, speaking at the summit, critiqued the European Union’s regulatory approach, urging for a more laissez-faire policy on AI regulation to spur innovation, while simultaneously cautioning against partnerships with what he termed "authoritarian regimes" in the technological sphere.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was notably absent from the summit; instead, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle represented the UK delegation.

Norris reiterated the importance of AI in the UK’s strategic framework and affirmed the government's unified stance on these global matters, stating that it aims to engage collaboratively with international partners while prioritizing national interests.