UK ministers had plenty of time for AI datacenter bosses, but none for environmental groups
Investigation finds businesses dominated govt meetings while communities were left out of decisions about AI Growth Zones
British officials have been lavishing attention on AI datacenter firms, but failed to engage with environmental advocates, according to a report by the anti-corruption organization Spotlight on Corruption. Between July 2024 and June 2026, ministers met with 84 percent of the stakeholders, mostly businesses and private trade associations, but no environmental groups.
The study, titled "Zoned Out," found that permanent secretaries and directors general also skipped meetings with community groups about datacenters. Residents were even more overlooked, with only two community groups meeting ministers after zones were already designated. The government also missed a national public consultation on its AI Growth Zone strategy, despite the impact on power usage, water consumption, and local communities.
The report criticizes the government's lack of transparency, noting that unpaid advisers shaping AI policy don't face the same public declaration requirements as ministers. The campaign group urges the government to pause new AI Growth Zones and datacenters until they address transparency, electricity and water use, and emissions.
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