Chancellor Rachel Reeves is being urged to seize the moment and use artificial intelligence to “Make Britain Great Again”, as business leaders and technology experts warn that AI may be the only route to growth in a Budget constrained by Labour’s tax promises.
The calls come as the government prepares to announce thousands of new AI-related jobs and billions of pounds of investment in a bid to boost productivity and reboot the stalled UK economy. Measures expected on Wednesday include the creation of a new AI Growth Zone in South Wales, forecast to deliver more than 5,000 jobs over the next decade, and £137 million to support leading scientists developing new drugs, treatments and advanced medical technologies.
Patrick Sullivan, CEO of the Parliament Street think tank, said Reeves’ fiscal room for manoeuvre has been severely limited.
“With Labour’s absurd manifesto pledge ruling out income tax rises, the Chancellor is now forced to cobble together a quick-fix solution to fill a black hole that is entirely of her own making,” he said. “The one saving grace is the advent of mass AI adoption — a technology that can deliver enormous efficiencies when the government needs them most. This is Labour’s chance to show it understands private enterprise and recognise that AI can truly make Britain Great Again.”
But while advocates say AI investment will be essential to unlocking long-term growth, cybersecurity experts warn the technology also exposes the UK to a rising wave of digital threats.
Graeme Stewart, head of public sector at Check Point Software, said billions in AI funding must be matched with a national defence strategy.
“The case for investing in AI to drive growth is clear, but very little has been said about the cyber and regulatory risks,” he said. “Criminals have already shown nothing is off-limits — from the NHS to nurseries to local councils. A mass AI rollout must be backed by a robust plan to protect critical national infrastructure.”
Stewart added that the government must lay out how it intends to defend both public services and the private sector against AI-enabled cyberattacks, warning that the threat landscape is becoming “increasingly lethal”.
Business leaders also stressed the need for Reeves to rebuild trust with employers after last year’s £25 billion rise in National Insurance, which many firms are still absorbing.
Kenny MacAulay, CEO of accounting software platform Acting Office, said AI investment could help stimulate hiring and productivity — but only if it is paired with clearer support for employers.
“With businesses still reeling from the NI increase, the Chancellor has a tough job ahead to win back trust from the private sector,” he said. “A nationwide AI rollout and new infrastructure can help kickstart growth, but only alongside a plan to get businesses hiring again.”
MacAulay also said the Chancellor must recognise the role of financial services and accountancy firms in delivering growth and regulatory compliance, and urged the profession to embrace AI to streamline operations and improve client service.
With the Budget just hours away, the message from industry is aligned: AI represents one of the few remaining levers available to drive growth — but a successful rollout requires ambition, security, and renewed confidence from business.
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Chancellor urged to use AI to ‘Make Britain Great Again’ as Budget looms
