24/07/2026
The Bishop of Oxford has backed calls for the right of Governments to set policy and regulate big tech as he warned of the risks posed by rapid technological change.
Making his valedictory speech in the House of Lords, Bishop Steven Croft said there were ‘many gains’ from new technology but there were also risks to society in areas such as mental health, social cohesion, truth, and patterns of work and distribution of power.
Speaking of advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said the risks posed were partly a product of its accelerating speed of development.
“The speed of change, and the significant power unleashed, make this revolution distinct from other technical developments in the past, because there is a risk that the speed of change will itself undermine the very benefits that change brings,” he said.
“There is simply no time for public trust and confidence to grow, and you have heard of the growing public awareness of risk and the desire that something be done.”
Bishop Steven said there was an urgent need for a ‘clear standard and statement of intent’ from the Government, asserting sovereignty for Governments over the implementation of new technologies, that was “ethically shaped and in the interests of our whole society”.
He added that there also needed to be moves towards drawing together the “combined and collective power of nation states” to act on this issue for the good of all.
“The most important part of a building is its foundation, the most vital part of a boat in a storm is the keel giving stability in the water,” he said.
“As the world navigates the transition to the age of AI, we will need more than ever before the values and ethics of our common tradition, rooted in centuries of Christian faith and practice. AI can be a tool for the common good, a source of great benefit, but only if Governments remain sovereign.”
Bishop Steven was speaking in a debate brought by Baroness Kidron on national sovereignty and digital and technology policy, making his final speech after nearly 13 years in the House of Lords.
He told peers he was ‘immensely grateful’ for having had the chance to serve in the House of Lords and on the Select Committees on Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change.
Speaking at the start of the debate Baroness Kidron paid tribute to Bishop Steven’s leadership in campaigning for digital systems to reflect ethics and values.
Responding on behalf of the House of Lords, Lord Clement Jones, the Liberal Democrat peer, paid tribute to Bishop Steven's record describing him as an 'influential and instrumental voice' in the Lords on AI.
"It is very fitting that his last contribution to this House should be in a debate on digital sovereignty,” he said.
"With his insights, collaborative spirit, friendship, and enduring dedication to ethical innovation and policy making, he will be greatly missed."