TLDR: An influential UK think tank, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, in collaboration with Ipsos, has urged the government to bolster existing sectoral regulators for artificial intelligence rather than introducing new, overarching AI legislation. This recommendation comes as new polling reveals a significant lack of public trust in AI, with 38% distrusting AI-generated content and 39% viewing AI as an economic risk.
A new report published on Monday, September 22, 2025, by the influential Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, in partnership with Ipsos, advises the UK government to prioritize strengthening its current sectoral regulators to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The think tank argues against the creation of an all-encompassing AI bill, suggesting that a more effective approach involves enhancing the capabilities and resources of existing regulatory bodies.
The recommendation is underpinned by recent polling data that highlights a persistent lack of public trust in AI across the UK. The survey indicates that 38 percent of respondents express a lack of trust in AI-generated content, identifying it as the ‘biggest single obstacle to AI adoption.’ Furthermore, 39 percent of Britons perceive AI as a risk to the economy, significantly outweighing the 20 percent who view it as an opportunity. This sentiment suggests a cautious public outlook on the rapid advancements in AI technology.
However, the polling also reveals a nuanced relationship between AI usage and public perception. Optimism regarding AI is closely correlated with its use; 56 percent of individuals who have never engaged with AI technology see it as a risk, compared to a much lower 26 percent among weekly users. This suggests that direct experience with AI may foster greater understanding and reduce apprehension.
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In light of these findings, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change recommends that the government should not pursue an overarching piece of AI legislation to build public trust. Instead, it advocates for strengthening the existing AI assurance regime and empowering sectoral regulators. The think tank also suggests that specific issues, such as copyright in the context of AI, should be tackled individually rather than being subsumed under a broad legislative framework. This targeted approach is believed to be more agile and effective in managing the evolving landscape of AI.
