Britons Divided on AI's Impact as UK Government Aims for Global Leadership

New research from Ipsos UK reveals a mixed picture of British attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence (AI), with the public uncertain about its potential impact on the economy and their personal finances. This comes as the UK government has set its sights on becoming a global leader in AI as part of its efforts to unlock economic growth.

Key findings

• Opinions are split about AI’s impact on the economy: Three in ten (29%) believe it will have a positive impact, while 26% say anticipate a negative impact (23% no difference).
• Two in five think AI will have no effect on personal finances: 44% of Britons believe that AI will not impact their personal finances. 16% expect a positive impact, and 19% anticipate a negative impact.

• There is scepticism about the UK's ability to become a world leader in AI: Around half (48%) believe it's unlikely that the UK will become a world leader in AI, while 15% believe it is likely. Optimism increases slightly when the public is asked whether the UK will become one of the world’s leaders in AI, with 22% saying it’s likely and 37% saying it’s unlikely.

Gideon Skinner, Senior Director of UK Politics at Ipsos said: 

These findings should give policymakers pause as they consider the UK's future in AI. While the government is right to identify AI as a potential tool to unlock growth, as we've seen with other complex challenges, public support shouldn't be taken for granted. For people to embrace AI's potential, the government must address the public's very real scepticism about its impact on jobs and their personal finances and clearly demonstrate how their ambitious plans will benefit people’s everyday lives.

Technical note: 

• Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 2,248 online British adults aged 18-75 across Great Britain between the 7th-11th February 2025. 
• Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.