BBC’s Question Time divided viewers minutes into the show as they aired an AI-focused special. Host Fiona Bruce opened up the show to remind viewers that they will be focusing on AI on Thursday evening’s episode. Airing from Dulwich with a panel including Darren Jones, Julia Lopez, Mo Gawdat, Laura Gilbert, and Victoria Riparbelli, the show immediately went right into concerns around Artificial Intelligence and, ultimately, job loss.
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Conservative Julia Lopez spoke on what the UK government should change (Image: BBC)
Despite viewers being frustrated over the topic of conversation, there were some important notes made on air as Conservative Julia Lopez said there were “obvious own goals” from the UK government as she said AI has made the employment of humans more expensive, with added “complexities”.
She continued: “It has made it more difficult, particularly when it comes to young people, in that people don’t want to take the risk and employ a young person. I think this is going to prove to be a real mistake not just from the government but from the companies themselves about not building a talent pipeline.”
Fiona then intervened and stated they needed to look at the big picture and said AI could eradicate a load of jobs, but it could also create new ones.
However, Lopez then stated that businesses need to be “given the tools to win the race” as she claimed that Labour are “increasing the cost of employing people, increasing the cost of energy so tech companies can’t base themselves here, and creating regulatory uncertainty”.
She also hit out at Labour for “undoing a lot of the tools” that was built from the previous government in relation to AI. When asked if she was worried about people losing their jobs, Lopez responded: “I think any responsible politician has to be worried about that scenario. I would give companies the tools to win to make sure they are growing as companies and that they are able to base themselves in this country.”
In her final note she stated that it can’t be wished away, but a stronger ecosystem can be built to encourage people to maintain their businesses here
