OpenAI & UK sign ‘Strategic Partnership’ to use AI in Public Services

The UK government has signed a deal with OpenAI to explore how advanced artificial intelligence models can support public services across the UK, including in sensitive areas such as justice, defence and education.

Sam Altman, the chief executive of OpenAI, signed the memorandum of understanding with Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle on July 21, 2025.

The agreement follows a similar partnership earlier this month between the UK government and Google DeepMind.

Critics described that deal as “dangerously naive”, warning it could make the public sector too reliant on private tech firms and harder for politicians to regulate them.

The latest OpenAI agreement outlines broad cooperation.

It says the government and OpenAI “will collaborate to identify opportunities for how advanced AI models can be deployed throughout government”, from helping civil servants work more efficiently to making it easier for people to access public services.

The statement added they would work together to apply AI to “the UK’s hardest problems”, including justice, security and education, and to build partnerships “to expand public engagement with AI technology”.

Kyle said: “AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country, whether that’s in fixing the NHS, breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth.”

He added: “This can’t be achieved without companies like OpenAI” and said the deal would give the UK “agency over how this world-changing technology moves forward”.

Altman said: “Britain has a strong legacy of scientific leadership and its government was one of the first to recognise the potential of AI through its AI opportunities action plan.

“Now, it’s time to deliver on the plan’s goals by turning ambition to action and delivering prosperity for all.”

OpenAI plans to expand its UK workforce beyond its current 100 employees as part of the move.

Altman has previously said that AI labs could reach “artificial general intelligence”, AI systems with human-level abilities, as early as 2025.

The UK public remains split on the impact of AI.

A recent Ipsos poll showed 31% are mostly excited about the technology’s potential but concerned about risks. A further 30% are more concerned about risks but still see some potential.

OpenAI has already partnered with the government to create tools that make it easier for small businesses to access help through government webpages.

Its models also support “Humphrey”, an AI assistant designed to speed up the work of civil servants.

The UK’s partnership with Google DeepMind, announced earlier in July, also promises collaboration on emerging AI technologies.

According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, it aims to “drive efficiencies across the public sector, including accelerating scientific discovery”.

The DeepMind project will involve technical experts working directly with government staff to implement AI-based solutions.