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On July 9, 2025, the UK Government unveiled a strategic partnership with Google Cloud and DeepMind to overhaul outdated public sector technology, enhance service delivery, and unlock up to £45 billion in efficiency savings. Announced by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, the initiative forms a central pillar of the government’s Plan for Change, aimed at building a more agile, secure, and digitally empowered state.
🖥️ Key Objectives
- Replace legacy systems: Over 25% of public sector services, and up to 70% in some NHS trusts and police forces, still rely on outdated infrastructure. The partnership will transition these systems to secure-by-design cloud platforms.
- Break restrictive contracts: Departments will be supported in exiting long-standing tech agreements that have hindered data migration and innovation.
- Deploy emerging technologies:
- AI for service delivery and scientific research
- Quantum computing exploration for future applications
- Unified cybersecurity platforms to improve threat response
📚 Workforce Upskilling
A Google Cloud training programme will run in parallel, aiming to upskill 100,000 civil servants in AI and digital competencies by 2030. This supports the Prime Minister’s goal for 1 in 10 civil servants to hold tech roles by the same year.
🗣️ Government and Industry Commentary
Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of collective bargaining power:
“Without deals like this, hundreds of public sector organisations were negotiating alone. Now, we negotiate on behalf of the British taxpayer.”
Tara Brady, President of Google Cloud EMEA, added:
“We are proud to support the UK’s digital transformation and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.”
🧭 Strategic Impact
The partnership underpins the UK’s blueprint for a modern digital government, aiming to:
- Improve access to essential services such as NHS appointments, council tax, and passport renewals
- Reduce taxpayer costs through smarter procurement
- Drive economic growth via innovation and digital infrastructure
You can read more on the UK Government’s official announcement.
