The UK unveils a £100M Sovereign AI R&D Procurement Scheme for domestic AI startups focused on public services, amid growing opposition to Palantir contracts (Jim Pickard/Financial Times)

The UK government announced a £100 million Sovereign AI R&D procurement programme aimed at domestic AI startups developing solutions for public services, with contracts awarded through a new procurement framework. The scheme is intended to reduce reliance on foreign vendors such as Palantir, which has faced growing criticism over its UK contracts.