Vale of Glamorgan MP Kanishka Narayan says being asked to attend Cabinet as Minister for AI is a clear sign of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s intention to put artificial intelligence at the centre of his government’s agenda.
Narayan announced the news in a social media post on Monday, describing AI as “likely the most significant technology in human history” and warning that Britain faces a “narrow window” to decide whether it will shape the technology or be shaped by it.
His appointment marks one of the first major steps in Burnham’s new administration, which took office yesterday. Burnham has repeatedly argued that the UK must take a more active role in regulating and harnessing AI, and his decision to bring Narayan into Cabinet suggests he intends to move quickly on the issue.
Narayan, elected in 2024 as Wales’ first ethnic minority MP, has become one of Labour’s most prominent voices on technology policy. Since entering Parliament, he has been involved in cross‑party discussions on AI safety, industrial strategy and digital regulation, and has been an advocate for using emerging technologies to support public services and economic growth.
Narayan said the Prime Minister’s decision to bring him into Cabinet reflects “a deep commitment to AI’s importance,” adding that the technology’s potential benefits — from reindustrialisation to stronger national security — are matched by public concerns about jobs and the pace of change.
Burnham enters Downing Street at a moment when global competition over AI is intensifying. The United States, European Union and China are all advancing regulatory and industrial strategies, and the UK faces pressure to define its own position.
For Burnham, AI appears to be one of the defining early priorities of his premiership. His government has signalled interest in using AI to modernise public services, support manufacturing and strengthen digital infrastructure, while also addressing risks such as misinformation, labour market disruption and the concentration of power among major tech firms.
Narayan’s appointment gives Wales a direct voice in those discussions. In his statement, he said he intends to bring the perspective of the Vale of Glamorgan to Cabinet — “a constituency in Wales, a nation with industry and ambition at its heart, a proud history of punching above its weight on the global stage.”
He also reflected on his personal journey, noting that Wales welcomed him as a 12‑year‑old and later elected him to Parliament: “Diolch o galon to everyone in the Vale of Glamorgan.”
Narayan said he will act “with pace” and “ambition” to secure British influence in shaping AI while the opportunity remains.
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