Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has warned that artificial intelligence poses a 'Hiroshima'-style risk to humanity if governments fail to agree on curbing its development. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Cooper urged countries, including the US and China, to establish international rules for AI, stating that the issue will dominate foreign policy over the next two years.
Cooper's Essay Outlines Global Threats
In an essay published Monday by the Chatham House thinktank, Cooper highlighted the combined risks of AI, climate crisis, irregular migration, and foreign interference. She wrote: 'On nuclear, international agreement came only after the world saw the terrifying power of the new technology at Hiroshima – and asked what would happen if it fell into the wrong hands. We cannot afford to wait for an AI equivalent of Hiroshima before we act.'
Cooper told the Guardian: 'Across the world, people are feeling the same thing – there is amazing potential here, but there is also huge risk. We are already in a world where we have malign actors who will use technology against us – whether that be hybrid threats, whether that be state-backed criminal groups or other kinds of organisations, or extremists and terror groups.'
AI as Dominant Foreign Policy Issue
Cooper predicted that AI will become the dominant foreign policy issue over the next two years. She identified AI as one of several threats to global security, alongside climate change, irregular migration, and foreign interference undermining Western liberal democracy.
The essay provides a comprehensive view of Cooper's worldview and her priorities for the Foreign Office. It comes as senior Labour figures jostle for positions in a potential Andy Burnham cabinet, with former colleague David Miliband tipped to return to the Foreign Office in her place.
US Role and European Relations
Cooper argued that European powers must adjust to the US no longer guaranteeing international peace and democracy, even after Donald Trump's presidency. She wrote: 'We should no longer expect the US to play the role it once did. There will continue to be issues where we disagree. But reduced dependence on any single ally will make us stronger.'
She called for the UK and EU to negotiate a more permanent settlement rather than constantly renegotiating individual trade elements. The government is finalizing the latest EU renegotiation, seeking deals on agriculture, electricity trading, and youth visas. A planned summit has been delayed as EU officials engage with the incoming Burnham government.
Structured Relationship with Europe
Cooper wrote: 'We need to develop a new, structured relationship with Europe, leading the development of its new security architecture, with a more European Nato at its core. And we must settle our relationship with the EU as a closer but stable partnership, rather than one based on endless incremental bargaining.' She did not specify the shape of that partnership. Burnham told the Guardian last year he wanted the UK to rejoin the EU but has since said he would not pursue that if he becomes prime minister.
Palestine Peace Process
Cooper warned that with Trump focused on Iran and global attention shifting elsewhere, countries risk forgetting about delivering peace in Palestine. She told the Guardian: 'You have the 20-point plan … [but] my big worry is that it is running into the ground.'
