Burnham’s AI head secretly briefed tech giants at No 10 adviser’s investment firm

Burnham’s AI taskforce head secretly met with tech giants at a London-based advisory firm tied to No 10’s top business adviser, according to revelations by openDemocracy. Ollie Ilott, who serves as chair of the AI Taskforce under Andy Burnham, participated in a private briefing for major technology firms at a breakfast roundtable hosted by Hakluyt & Company in April 2024. The meeting occurred while Ilott was still leading the UK’s AI Security Institute, a respected research body known for its expertise in AI safety and regulation. The government has yet to disclose the meeting or retain any records related to it, leaving the public unaware of the content shared during the session. Attendees included prominent entities such as Microsoft and the Ellison Institute of Technology, both of which operate within the global AI sector. OpenDemocracy uncovered details of the event through responses to Freedom of Information requests, highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the encounter. Following the initial meeting, Ilott revisited Hakluyt’s premises in late 2024 to engage with the firm’s investment division. This unit was established by Varun Chandra, a former managing partner of Hakluyt who later joined No 10 as the government’s business adviser in July 2024. Chandra, who also holds the title of UK-US trade envoy, remained connected to Hakluyt despite his shift to governmental roles. His continued involvement underscores the firm’s deep ties to key policymakers. Ilott’s participation in the meeting significantly elevated his profile, culminating in his recent appointment as the highest-ranking official overseeing AI policy within Burnham’s administration. This position grants him direct influence over shaping national strategies on artificial intelligence, particularly concerning safety and ethical standards. His prior engagement with Hakluyt suggests that the firm sought to secure exclusive access to his insights, leveraging his growing prominence in the field. Hakluyt & Company, founded in 1995 by MI6 operatives, operates from a prestigious Mayfair townhouse and has expanded its operations globally. The firm specializes in providing high-level strategic advice to multinational corporations, focusing on areas such as mergers, regulatory compliance, and international expansion. Its services are typically reserved for select clients, many of whom are among the largest and most influential businesses worldwide. Unlike traditional lobbying firms, Hakluyt functions outside the scope of standard regulatory oversight due to its classification as a corporate intelligence and advisory entity. While the firm asserts it does not engage in political lobbying or collaborate with political parties, internal communications and public records suggest otherwise. For instance, there are indications that Hakluyt previously worked with Labour ahead of the last general election, indicating potential political entanglements. The firm's strategy relies heavily on maintaining close relationships with senior public officials, a practice exemplified by the recruitment of Olly Robbins, a former high-ranking civil servant. Robbins, who joined Hakluyt in 2023, previously served as the UK’s deputy national security adviser and chief Brexit negotiator. His presence at the firm highlights the revolving door phenomenon, wherein individuals move seamlessly between government and private sectors, bringing with them valuable institutional knowledge and networks. Hakluyt’s website emphasizes the importance of personal connections in its business model, stating that "few other business models depend on human relationships as much as ours." This approach enables the firm to maintain a unique advantage in the competitive landscape of advisory services, attracting a roster of former elite public servants, including cabinet secretaries, intelligence chiefs, and prime ministerial advisers. The recent developments involving Ilott and Hakluyt underscore the complex interplay between government and private sector interests in shaping AI policy. As the government continues to navigate the challenges of regulating emerging technologies, the role of such advisory firms in influencing decision-making processes will remain a subject of scrutiny.