UK government rejects AI 'kill switch' as it says Britain cannot simply turn AI off

The UK government has rejected calls for an emergency "kill switch" to shut down rogue artificial intelligence, stating the country "cannot simply turn AI off." The Cabinet Office opposed a proposed "last-resort power" for state intervention during an AI emergency. The decision follows a parliamentary amendment by Liberal Democrat Lord Clement-Jones to the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which sought legal authority for emergency shutdowns. A government spokesperson argued that blocking UK access would not prevent AI development elsewhere, emphasising companies' responsibility for safe development and security investment. The rejection comes amid warnings from Anthropic researchers that AI could "kill all humans" within a decade, with one researcher resigning over safety concerns. The government plans further targeted interventions if needed, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham has elevated AI safety minister Kanishka Narayan to the Cabinet.