Fact Check: "Sir Keir Starmer and Mark Carney discussed strengthening collaboration on AI safety between the Canadian AI Safety Institute and the UK AI Security Institute."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, Sir Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, held a meeting in Ottawa where they reaffirmed their countries' partnership and discussed various geopolitical challenges. Among the topics addressed was a commitment to enhance collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI) safety. Specifically, they agreed on a partnership to strengthen existing collaboration between the Canadian AI Safety Institute and the UK AI Security Institute. This initiative is part of a broader effort to advance economic growth and security through innovation and technology.
Analysis
The claim that Starmer and Carney discussed AI safety collaboration is supported by multiple credible sources. The joint statement released after their meeting explicitly mentions the intention to deepen collaboration on AI systems for national security, which includes a partnership agreement aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two AI safety institutes.
Furthermore, reports from various news outlets, including the Evening Standard and The Globe and Mail, corroborate this information, indicating that both leaders emphasized the importance of AI safety in their discussions. These sources are reputable and provide consistent accounts of the meeting's outcomes, enhancing the reliability of the information.
The context of the meeting also highlights the significance of AI safety in the current geopolitical landscape, as both nations seek to address emerging threats and enhance their technological capabilities. The collaboration is not only a strategic move but also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of AI governance and safety in international relations.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Sir Keir Starmer and Mark Carney discussed strengthening collaboration on AI safety between the Canadian AI Safety Institute and the UK AI Security Institute is accurate. The evidence from the joint statement and multiple news reports confirms that this topic was indeed part of their discussions, highlighting a commitment to enhancing cooperation in the field of AI safety.
Sources
- Joint statement between the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the Prime Minister of Canada
- Canada agrees to ratify Britain’s accession to major trans-Pacific trade pact
- Readout - Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer
- Canada agrees to ratify Britain’s accession to major trans-Pacific trade pact
- Joint Statement by Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer
- LIVE: Canadian PM Mark Carney Meets UK PM Keir Starmer
- Canada agrees to ratify Britain’s accession to major trans-Pacific trade pact
- Canada, U.K. commit to trade talks after Carney and Starmer meet