Labour’s AI plans branded ‘Total mess’ as Starmer faces backlash from creatives and tories
Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to rethink Labour’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright protections, as critics accuse the party of turning its back on Britain’s globally-renowned creative industries. Ahead of a crucial commons vote today on the data (Use and Access) bill, voices from across the political divide are urging Labour to change course or risk undermining both the country’s AI ambitions and its cultural heritage.
Labour peers earlier this week defied Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by supporting a cross-party amendment to the bill in the house of lords. The amendment would ensure that artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and other creators are granted stronger protections against the unauthorised use of their work by AI companies. Under the proposal, Big Tech firms would be compelled to disclose when they have used copyrighted material to train their generative AI models, a move that has been warmly welcomed by the creative sector.
However, despite the groundswell of support, Sir Keir is expected to instruct Labour MPs to oppose the amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons today. The decision has sparked outrage among creators and campaigners, who accuse Labour of siding with technology giants over the UK’s creative talent.
Conservative science, innovation and technology spokesman Alan Mak led the criticism, describing Labour’s position as “a total mess”. He warned that Labour’s apparent willingness to water down copyright protections risked alienating an industry that contributes billions to the British economy and underpins the nation’s cultural identity.
“With the right policy framework and investment, the UK can lead the world in AI while safeguarding our cultural heritage,” said Mak. “We urge the government to change course now or risk their entire bill collapsing.”
The Tories have pledged to back the Lords amendment, intensifying the pressure on Labour to rethink its stance. Senior Conservatives are preparing to portray Labour as out of touch with Britain’s creative industries and suggest the party is allowing Silicon Valley interests to dictate UK policy.
At the heart of the row is a controversial government consultation that previously identified a ‘preferred option’ to grant tech firms an exception in UK copyright law. This would allow them to access vast libraries of UK music, films, books and journalism to train AI systems without explicit permission or payment, unless individual creators actively ‘opt-out’. Critics say this approach is unfair, risks harming creators’ livelihoods, and sets a dangerous precedent that devalues intellectual property.
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Britain’s world-leading creative industries — including music, film, publishing and journalism — have been united in their opposition to the proposed exception, warning that it could strip creators of control over their work and hand unprecedented power to tech companies.
“The principle is simple — if someone uses your work, they should ask your permission and pay you fairly,” said a spokesperson for the British copyright council. “Generative AI models rely heavily on existing works to function, and it is only right that those whose work is used are recognised and compensated.”
Sir Keir Starmer now faces a dilemma. While Labour has been keen to present itself as the party of technological innovation and economic growth, critics argue that its current position risks alienating the creative industries that it traditionally counts as allies.
Industry leaders have called on Sir Keir to listen to their concerns and ensure that any AI legislation strikes a balance between fostering innovation and protecting creators’ rights.
Today’s vote in the commons is expected to be tight, with several Labour backbenchers thought to be considering defying the whip to support the amendment. A defeat for the Government would represent a significant blow to its attempts to pass the Data (Use and Access) Bill before the summer recess.
The outcome will also be seen as a key test of Sir Keir’s leadership and his commitment to Britain’s cultural and creative sectors as the country navigates the fast-changing AI landscape.
