Prime Minister: I Will Reshape the State to Deliver Security for Working

The Prime Minister has announced his commitment to "go further and faster in reshaping the state to make it work for working people." Addressing recent international events, he emphasized that national security is inherently tied to economic security, making it the fundamental task of politics today to take decisive action to ensure security for the people at home.

Highlighting the role of an active government, the Prime Minister underlined the need for a state that effectively addresses significant challenges, allowing citizens to focus on their lives. However, he diagnosed a fundamental problem: the state has expanded in size but weakened in effectiveness, failing to fulfill its core responsibilities. To counter this, he pledged to undertake a comprehensive reshaping of the state, adapting it to the new global "era of instability" by doubling efforts to secure the well-being of working people and rejuvenate the nation.

Regulatory Overhaul and Cost Reductions

As part of this transformation, the Government has initiated a significant shift in its approach to regulation and oversight. This includes the abolition of the Payments Systems Regulator and a government-wide initiative to reduce administrative regulatory costs by 25%. In line with these reforms, new AI and technology teams will be deployed across public sector departments to enhance efficiency and drive improvements in public services.

To further this agenda, one in ten civil servants will transition into technology and digital roles over the next five years, supported by 2,000 tech apprenticeships aimed at accelerating public sector transformation. The Government also intends to reduce red tape costs for businesses by a quarter, reinforcing its commitment to efficiency and productivity.

Harnessing Digital Transformation for Public Services

The Prime Minister underscored the urgency of the moment, stating:“The great forces buffeting the lives of working people, and an era of instability driving in their lives… The need for greater urgency now could not be any clearer. We must move further and faster on security and renewal.”

He emphasized that every expenditure, regulation, and decision must directly benefit working people. By advancing the digitization of government services, the Government aims to unlock up to £45 billion in savings and productivity gains. A key component of this transformation is the integration of artificial intelligence, which the Prime Minister described as a "golden opportunity" he is determined to seize.

The overarching goal is to fundamentally reshape the British state, making it more tech-driven, efficient, agile, and mission-focused. In addition, the Government will unveil further details on digitalizing public services and modernizing the state apparatus.

AI and Workforce Transformation

The digital transformation strategy is guided by the principle that "No person’s substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker, and to the same high quality and standard." This approach will be reinforced by widespread modernization efforts, including the launch of a new apprenticeship scheme, TechTrack. By 2030, TechTrack will introduce 2,000 apprentices into public sector roles, equipping the UK Government with the technical expertise required to overhaul public services using technology. This initiative aligns with the broader Plan for Change, ensuring the development of digital skills across the country.

Initial AI-driven enhancements have already demonstrated promising results. The Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) recently reported that AI tools tested in partnership with Citizens' Advice have halved response times for call center workers handling complex inquiries related to consumer rights and legal support.

A Vision for a Tech-Driven Future

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the vast potential of these changes, stating:

“There is a £45 billion jackpot to secure if we use technology properly across our public sector – but we can’t hope to come close to securing that if we don’t have the right technical talent with us in government.”

He added that these reforms will not only improve public services but also reduce taxpayer costs by minimizing reliance on expensive external contractors. Additionally, they will create new opportunities nationwide, supporting the broader Plan for Change.

With this ambitious vision, the Prime Minister is set on ensuring that the British state evolves into a modern, efficient, and secure entity, capable of delivering prosperity and stability for working people.