UK government met 137 businesses on datacentre policy, but no environmental groups
An investigation by the nonprofit Spotlight on Corruption found that the UK government held no meetings with environmental groups while shaping its AI datacentre policy. Senior officials met 137 businesses and only two community groups.
The UK government developed its policy on datacentres and artificial intelligence (AI) without holding a single meeting with environmental organisations, according to an investigation by the nonprofit Spotlight on Corruption. The inquiry examined how "AI growth zones" were designed. The zones were a central part of former prime minister Keir Starmer's AI and economic policy.
What the investigation found
Over 12 months the organisation filed 40 freedom of information requests to 18 government bodies, seeking details of meetings and investment figures between July 2024 and June 2026. It found that ministers, permanent secretaries and directors general met 137 businesses, some of them several times. They met only two community groups and no environmental organisations.
The report says the few meetings with civil society groups took place days before the policy was launched, so they had no meaningful influence. Spotlight on Corruption added that many further meetings with business may not have been disclosed, because the policy was led by special adviser Jade Leung, whose role is subject to less strict transparency requirements.
A "revolving door"
Between July 2024 and September 2026, 38 ministers, senior civil servants and special advisers took jobs at AI companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic. Nine came from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, among them a former AI minister and a former AI adviser to the prime minister.
Kamila Kingstone, a campaign lead at the organisation, said the government failed at the most senior level to speak to environmental NGOs or community groups despite the serious environmental implications of its plans. The investigation also found that Canada, Germany and Australia consulted more widely and set stricter environmental criteria.
Government response
A government spokesperson said datacentres should create British jobs and benefit host communities, and that the government wants to work with environmental groups and communities. The spokesperson said local authorities hosting datacentres in AI growth zones in England will be able to keep all the additional business rates they generate.
Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West, said communities should be involved. Opposition to datacentres is growing in Britain, including in Scotland and London.
