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Wed, 02 Sep 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 Lords call for AI 'kill switch' powers in UK

Its backers say it would provide a "vital safety net" against runaway AI systems such as those from OpenAI and Anthropic.

* A group of peers is calling on the British government to have the power to shut down powerful AI systems and data centres if they pose a threat to national security.
* The proposal, led by Liberal Democrat Lord Tim Clement-Jones, aims to build a "vital safety net" and provide a democratically accountable means to stop a rogue system.
* It would only be used as a last resort and is one of 65 amendments to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill currently making its way through Parliament.
* Separately, Labour MP Alex Sobel plans to introduce an AI Security Bill in Parliament with the support of the campaign group ControlAI.
* If passed, it would make the UK the first G7 country to bring in legislation that could effectively halt the development of superintelligent AI.
* Both proposals require government approval to progress.
* The US is also considering an AI Kill Switch Act and there has been increased scrutiny of the impact of AI on cyber-security in recent weeks.