Key facts
- Chancellor John Healey vowed AI will not leave British workers behind.
- He announced a £100 million local apprenticeship service.
- A £6 billion commitment for British shipyards was also announced.
- Rolls-Royce will invest £300 million in its UK factories.
UK Chancellor John Healey stated on September 28, 2026, that artificial intelligence is the "greatest innovation of our time" and pledged that Britain would not let AI "leave Britain's workers behind." Speaking at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Healey emphasized fiscal discipline as a priority and expressed optimism about the country's industries, including life sciences, defence technology, and financial services. He also addressed the NEET crisis, calling it a "moral duty" to resolve. The government announced a new £100 million local apprenticeship service, funded by savings from the Department for Work and Pension. Additionally, Healey highlighted a £6 billion commitment for contracts for British shipyards and noted Rolls-Royce's £300 million investment across its UK factories, aiming to create 130,000 jobs by 2030 in AI, technology, defence, and clean energy.