UK and Canada Discuss AI Risks and Defence Ties in First Bilateral Meeting
UK and Canadian leaders met in Liverpool to discuss artificial intelligence risks and defence projects.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney assessed cooperation opportunities in AI risks, online safety, and defence during their first bilateral meeting in Liverpool.
First Bilateral Summit in Liverpool
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in the city of Liverpool to advance relations between the two countries. Following official talks, the two leaders watched a football match together at Everton's stadium.
Artificial Intelligence and Online Safety
According to a statement issued by the UK Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday, the leaders agreed that governments and the tech sector must act together to ensure online safety and combat AI risks.
Current Regulatory Frameworks
The UK has adopted a pro-innovation and sector-focused approach since its policy paper in March 2023. Canada's Artificial Intelligence and Data Act had failed to pass into law when parliamentary proceedings were prorogued in January 2025.
Defence and Military Cooperation
On the defence front, the reconciliation of British and Canadian plans regarding an allied military finance bank was discussed. This took place against the backdrop of Canada applying to the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force and participating as an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme.