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Labour ministers met 137 businesses over AI datacentres but NOT ONE environmental group, investigation finds

Spotlight on Corruption filed freedom of information requests — 40 in total, sent to 18 government agencies — and found that ministers, permanent secretaries and directors general had held 137 meetings with businesses while developing the UK's AI datacentre growth-zone policy, with no equivalent engagement extended to environmental NGOs or community groups. The investigation, covering July 2024 to June 2026, revealed a systematic exclusion of green voices from a policy carrying significant environmental consequences.

A "considerable revolving door" carried 38 ministers, senior civil servants and special advisers into AI company roles during the very period the policy was taking shape.

Top officials departed government for positions at OpenAI and Anthropic even as the policy they helped craft was being finalised.

Campaign lead Kamila Kingstone said the government 'totally failed at the most senior level' to consult environmental or community groups on its flagship AI plans.

MoreThe GuardianUK government met 137 businesses over AI datacentres – but no environmental groupsSpotlight on CorruptionPress release: Government gives businesses a seat at the table on AI data centres while communities and environmental groups are shut out - Spotlight on Corruptionnews.lavx.huUK ministers held 137 meetings with AI datacenter firms, shut out environmental groups - news.lavx.huMezha.netUK ministers met datacenter firms, but not environmental groups, report finds - Mezha.netThe RegisterUK ministers had plenty of time for AI datacenter bosses, but none for environmental groups - The RegisterUA.NEWSUK government held 137 meetings with businesses on data centres — The Guardian - UA.NEWS
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