UK to lead global AI standards push, Burnham tells UN

Prime Minister Andy Burnham told the United Nations that Britain is ready to lead a global push for AI standards, citing national security risks and the technology outpacing safeguards. In his inaugural UN General Assembly speech, Burnham highlighted Russian disinformation campaigns, including interference in the 2019 election, and positioned Britain as an "honest broker" to set global AI principles. He announced a new National Centre for Information Defence to counter hostile attacks. Burnham stressed that elected governments, not tech companies, must make fundamental AI decisions, and he plans to prioritize AI during Britain's G20 presidency next year.