--- title: "UK Government urged to adopt humanist AI principles" date: "2026-06-16T10:34:22+01:00" modified: "2026-06-16T10:57:43+01:00" url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/06/16/uk-government-urged-to-adopt-humanist-ai-principles/" post_id: 191968 categories: ["News"] --- # UK Government urged to adopt humanist AI principles ![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/12-5.png?resize=1200%2C628&ssl=1)Humanists UK has called on the UK Government to adopt a human-centred approach to artificial intelligence (AI) after members of the House of Lords highlighted the importance of humanist values in shaping the future of AI regulation. The debate comes amid renewed attention to the ethical challenges posed by AI, with Pope Leo XIV among those warning that new technologies must serve human dignity and the common good. Humanists UK said these concerns are welcome, but noted that the global humanist movement set out its own expert framework last year through the [Luxembourg Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Human Values](https://humanists.international/policy/luxembourg-declaration-on-artificial-intelligence-and-human-values/). The Luxembourg Declaration was [drafted by Humanists UK with input from leading AI experts](https://humanists.uk/2025/07/10/humanists-pass-global-declaration-on-artificial-intelligence-and-human-values/) and other member organisations of Humanists International. It calls for AI to be aligned with human rights, democratic oversight, and the intrinsic dignity of every person, and for governments and international bodies to ensure that AI serves human flourishing rather than narrow private interests. Humanists UK patron and [All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group (APPHG)](https://humanists.uk/about/humanists-in-parliament/) member, **Lord Michael Cashman** [urged](https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-06-05/debates/5F158ACF-F1C3-43BC-AB32-C1E7C182FE2E/details#contribution-0E61D0CA-097D-4964-9A5C-A14A1A3D633A) the Government ‘not to reinvent the wheel’ and instead to look to the [Luxembourg Declaration](https://humanists.international/policy/luxembourg-declaration-on-artificial-intelligence-and-human-values/). Lord Cashman said the Declaration was: > ‘a worthy and notable declaration on the principles of AI in relation to human judgment, the common good, democratic governance, transparency and autonomy, protection from harm, shared prosperity, creators, artists, reason, truth, integrity, the future generation, human freedom and human flourishing. Those are the principles that we need to focus on.’ Liberal Democrat peer **Lord Clement-Jones** [said](https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-06-05/debates/5F158ACF-F1C3-43BC-AB32-C1E7C182FE2E/details#contribution-97129618-3749-4767-A53B-A457F5BD17C8) that the debate had shown a ‘convergence of values’ across different beliefs, which all pointed to the need for democratic oversight, transparency, and safeguards to make sure AI serves human beings rather than replacing or diminishing them: > ‘When the values of liberal humanism, the Church of England and the Catholic Church, the public, AI experts, the international institutions, and the Government’s own manifesto all point in the same direction, what are the Government waiting for? Why are we not putting in the kind of regulatory framework that so many noble Lords have asked for today?’ Responding for the Government, Minister **Baroness Lloyd of Effra** said AI is already reshaping the economy, public services, and human relationships, and that the Government’s responsibility is to make sure this transformation ‘strengthens rather than diminishes the fabric of our society’. She said the Government is taking a context-based approach to regulation, strengthening regulators’ ability to respond to emerging risks, and embedding standards and guidance to ensure AI is used in a way that is fair, transparent, and accountable. Humanists UK has now written to Baroness Lloyd with a copy of the Luxembourg Declaration, asking for ministers to consider these principles in any AI regulation. #### **Commenting on the debate, Humanists UK Policy and Campaigns Manager Lewis Young said:** > ‘It is encouraging to see peers from across different traditions recognising that AI governance must begin with a clear commitment to human dignity, freedom, and flourishing. > > ‘Lord Clement-Jones was right to point to the shared ground between liberal humanism and other ethical traditions, and Lord Cashman was right to urge the Government not to reinvent the wheel. The Luxembourg Declaration offers a clear, values-led framework for ensuring AI serves people, democracy, and the common good. > > ‘As AI becomes more powerful and more deeply embedded in everyday life, public policy must be grounded in reason, evidence, compassion, and respect for human rights. The UK has an opportunity to show leadership by putting human flourishing at the heart of AI governance.’ #### Notes For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only). [Read the debate](https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2026-06-05/debates/5F158ACF-F1C3-43BC-AB32-C1E7C182FE2E/details). Read the [Luxembourg Declaration](https://humanists.international/policy/luxembourg-declaration-on-artificial-intelligence-and-human-values/). Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.