UK datacentre policy excluded environmental groups from senior meetings

Senior UK officials developing AI datacentre policy met 137 businesses but no environmental organisations, according to an investigation by Spotlight on Corruption. Only two community groups secured meetings with senior officials, raising concerns that environmental and social impacts received insufficient consideration.

The nonprofit used 40 freedom of information requests to 18 government agencies to examine policymaking between July 2024 and June 2026. It also identified 38 ministers, senior civil servants and special advisers hired into AI companies between July 2024 and September 2026. Departures included officials involved in shaping national AI strategy, while companies hiring former government staff included OpenAI and Anthropic.

AI growth zones were designed to accelerate large datacentre developments and create jobs. The plans face questions over electricity requirements, renewable power claims and employment projections, alongside growing local opposition. Spotlight on Corruption said civil society meetings held shortly before the policy launch offered no meaningful input, and that Canada, Germany and Australia consulted more widely and imposed stronger environmental criteria.

The government said datacentres should deliver jobs and community benefits while prioritising clean power and responsible water use. It welcomed engagement with environmental groups and communities, and said local planning processes generally consider community benefits.