As reported by the BBC, Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle is set to announce several digital initiatives, including Humphrey, a collection of generative AI models designed to streamline government operations and reduce consulting costs.
One key tool, called Consult, will automate the analysis of public consultation responses — a task that currently costs taxpayers approximately £100,000 per consultation when performed by external consultants.
The suite also includes Parlex, a tool that helps policymakers research parliamentary debate history and anticipate MP reactions to proposed policies.
Tim Flagg, chief operating officer of AI trade body UKAI, expressed concern about the naming choice.
“Humphrey for me is a name which is very associated with the Machiavellian character from Yes, Minister,” said Flagg.
“That immediately makes people who aren’t in that central Whitehall office think that this is something which is not going to be empowering.”
The announcement follows the government’s recent AI Opportunities Action Plan and includes additional digital initiatives such as improved inter-departmental data sharing and new apps for storing government documents, including digital driving licenses.
This initiative represents a major step toward AI adoption in public services in the UK, while highlighting the importance of careful branding in public sector technology rollouts.
