UK to invest £100m in 'world first' AI Biosecurity Lab
The UK government is investing £100 million to establish a national AI Biosecurity Lab to defend against emerging biological and AI-enabled threats. The initiative is supported by major AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic, which are providing model credits to assist in the lab's research.
Why it matters
This represents a significant state-led effort to mitigate existential risks associated with advanced AI and biological warfare.
Image source, Getty Images By Liv McMahon Technology reporter Published 24 October 2026, 01:05 BST The UK says it will establish a national AI Biosecurity Lab (AIBL) to help strengthen its defences against emerging biological threats.
As part of Wednesday's Budget, the government will commit £100m to establishing the new, "world first" institute with the support of leading AI firms.
The chancellor will also pledge millions of pounds in spending across a range of initiatives aimed at shoring up the UK's ability to respond to evolving cyber, biological and AI-enabled threats.
"AI will transform daily life: every firm, community, hospital, school, and every aspect of our economy can benefit," John Healey said.
"I understand and share the concerns of working people, so I am setting out a distinctively British approach to AI.
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