Starmer Announces that AI Should Replace Some Civil Servants  – Guido Fawkes

Expert Comment: 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a controversial announcement for AI to replace some tasks and roles within the Civil Service. – emphasising the UK’s continued drive to be a leader in AI and maximise efficiency in the UK government. 

Whilst politically appealing, the feedback from civil servants, especially those at risk of being replaced, has not been positive. Some argue that AI alone cannot solve the UK government’s inefficiencies and the role of human expertise and oversight is key to ensure quality. 

Specifically, the role of decision-making, ethical considerations, feedback and high-stake decisions should arguably not be left to the decision of a computer or AI generated bot.

Starmer has spoken of plans to overhaul the Civil Service, reducing its size and doubling the proportion of officials working in digital and data roles in a proposal that could save taxpayers up to £45 billion.

He highlighted a proposal to recruit 2,000 tech apprentices to boost the take-up of AI on Whitehall, saying: “No person’s substantive time should be spent on a task where digital or AI can do it better, quicker and to the same high quality and standard.”

Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect union responded: “Civil servants are not hostile to reforms but these must be undertaken in partnership with staff and unions.

“I urge everyone in Government to avoid the incendiary rhetoric and tactics we are seeing in the United States, and to be clear that reforms are about enhancing and not undermining the Civil Service.”

Expert Comment

We spoke to 4 industry experts in digital marketing, AI and cyber security to better understand Starmer’s idea of replacing human staff with AI – what it means in terms of their roles and maximising efficiency of tasks.

Richard Tank of HubSpot Agency, Hey Rebels, commented:

We should be ready for a near future where, increasingly, when someone leaves a job,  particularly in knowledge work, they simply aren’t replaced. It’s not that AI will replace them in the traditional sense, but the productivity gains from tools like ChatGPT mean their workload can often be absorbed across a leaner, more efficient team. This isn’t just cost-cutting, it’s the first real shift in how AI is beginning to change the shape of work itself.

Jade Bartholomew of SEO Agency, Sierra Six Media commented:

“AI is already providing value and reducing costs across so many sectors, it seems obvious that the civil service could benefit hugely as well. Used responsibly, it could streamline routine tasks and free up staff for more complex work. The key will be ensuring transparency, human oversight, and continued investment in training to adapt alongside the technology.”

Daniel Park, Director of AI customer service platform, InTouchNow.ai added:

Keir Starmer’s suggestion that AI should replace some of the work of civil servants reflects a broader shift we’re already seeing in frontline services — where the goal isn’t to replace people, but to free them up for higher-value tasks. 

The key is thoughtful implementation: training, safeguards, and involving staff early in the process. Done right, AI can improve quality and efficiency — but it requires leadership willing to redesign systems, not just bolt tech onto broken processes.

Our AI voice agents can transform access to primary care by taking on repetitive admin tasks, reducing wait times, and improving patient experience.

Sam Temple, CEO of cybersecurity firm, JUMPSEC, explained:

“As a cybersecurity consultancy, we believe AI has significant potential to enhance the efficiency of civil service operations, particularly in data processing, threat detection, and routine administrative tasks. By automating repetitive functions, AI can free up human resources for more strategic and sensitive responsibilities.”

“However, it’s crucial that AI implementation is carefully managed to ensure data privacy, system integrity, and accountability. With robust oversight, AI can be a valuable tool—not a replacement, but a force multiplier for public sector effectiveness.”