Understanding AI: How the House of Lords can engage.
Anybody who follows the activities of the House of Lords will have seen the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI) being debated in the upper chamber a great deal recently. This is as a direct result of increasing AI related legislation passing through the House, addressing the opportunities and challenges AI technology offers the UK.
The House of Lords consist of a diverse group of experts with a lifetime of experience. Normally that means Peers are well placed to have detailed opinions on the legislation being discussed. With AI, it is different. I have noticed that when it comes to discussing AI in the upper chambe,r the number prepared to rise to their feet and express an opinion is very limited. A small group of regular speakers.
This small core of experts between them have contributed a great deal to the debates, but it is not an area where the wider house on all sides has participated and debate of these important pieces of legislation has been far more limited and poorer as a result.
The obvious reason for this, we believe, is not a lack of interest, but rather a lack of knowledge with only a few AI Experts sitting in the Lords. Not surprising perhaps given the average age of Peers is 70 and particularly, given AI in the mainstream has only been with us since October 2022.
We clearly have a challenge then in the Upper Chamber. As AI becomes embedded in the fabric of daily life and institutional decision-making, we have a lack of knowledge in a key decision making part of our UK legislation process. It should be important that Peers and their advisor understand both the transformative potential of AI and the challenges it presents.
Therefore, if there is a definite gap in the upper chambers knowledge at a crucial time for AI legislation, how do we fix this?
It is not, I believe, a case of teaching Peers to use ChatGPT, but rather we need to help them understand and be able to think about the fundamentals of AI.
This is why I applaud that the Digital Policy Alliance, with funding from Digital Leaders and in collaboration with leading industry experts, is starting a regular programme teaching Peers called, “AI Essentials for UK Policymakers”.
It’s a comprehensive programme designed specifically for Peers and their support staff. The series offers an accessible exploration of the AI landscape, providing them with the understanding needed to make informed decisions that will impact the UK’s digital future.
Led by Lord Ranger of Northholt and DPA Research Director Professor Alan Brown, The Digital Policy Alliance is running a carefully structured “in the room” teach-in and awareness programme that explores the critical dimensions of AI adoption: technology, economics, governance, and ethics.
Including speakers from industry, civil society and academia and supported by the Digital Policy Alliance’s network of digital policy specialists, these sessions will hopefully equip those Peers who take part, with the knowledge and insights necessary to actively participate with confidence in the chamber and committees set the task of developing effective legislation that harnesses AI’s benefits while mitigating its risks.
Each session builds upon previous events, creating a comprehensive understanding of how AI can benefit all UK citizens, residents, and businesses while maintaining the nation’s competitive edge.
So what are the calls to action here?
If you are a Peer or advisor to a Peer please get in touch with me or the DPA and we can get you on this important journey which begins on 4th September 2025.
Equally, if you are an expert in AI or closely involved in a key area of this legislation, please reach out to me and let’s explore how you can be part of upskilling Peers.
Do you agree with me? Would you like to get involved? Please drop me a DM on LinkedIn and I can introduce you to the right people at Digitalpolicyalliance.org to have a conversation.
