Keir Starmer: Scotland has real potential for AI growth zones

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is to consider Glasgow’s bid to become a hub for artificial intelligence innovation.

Following the success of China's AI model DeepSeek, Scottish Labour MP Gordon McKee asked Starmer to back Glasgow as an “AI growth zone”.

During PMQs, McKee argued doing so would boost investment and “solidify” the UK's place as the third largest AI global market.

Earlier this month, as part of the UK Government’s AI action plan, the prime minister pledged to create AI growth zones in a bid to fast-track the creation of data centres. These areas are designed to streamline the planning process that AI infrastructure requires as well as accelerate their connection to the grid. He confirmed Culham in Oxfordshire will become the UK’s first AI growth zone.

It is understood there are more to come but no other locations have yet been confirmed.

Responding to McKee, Starmer said: “What a contrast the SNP, a strong Labour voice, championing economic growth in Scotland.

“The AI developments this week show why we're right to put artificial intelligence at the heart of our plan for change. We've already secured £39bn of AI investment which will create 13,000 jobs across the UK. I agree with him that Scotland has real potential for AI growth zones.

“I'll make sure that he gets to meet with the relevant minister to discuss.”

Data centres require significant energy and cool temperatures to operate, making Scotland an ideal location for AI infrastructure, according to experts.

Currently, Scotland produces more renewable energy than required to meet its electricity demands.