The United Kingdom has become the first country in the world to join a pioneering global network of health regulators dedicated to the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
The move places the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency at the forefront of international efforts to accelerate the safe deployment of AI tools in clinical settings – supporting faster diagnoses, reducing NHS waiting times, and boosting the UK’s health tech sector.
As a founding member of the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, the UK will collaborate with international regulators to:
- Share early warnings on AI safety risks
- Monitor real-world performance of AI tools
- Shape global standards for AI in healthcare
The MHRA’s leadership is underpinned by its innovative AI Airlock programme — a regulatory sandbox that allows developers to test AI medical devices in partnership with the regulator before wider NHS rollout. Early projects include AI tools to help GPs detect lung conditions earlier and support personalised cancer care.
Lawrence Tallon, MHRA Chief Executive, commented:
“AI has huge promise to speed up diagnoses, cut NHS waiting times and save lives – but only if people can trust that it works and is safe. That’s why we’re proud to be leading the way, shaping how this powerful technology is used safely in healthcare here and around the world. From our AI Airlock testbed to new guidance on fast-moving tech like generative AI, we’re backing smart innovation that works for patients – and makes the UK the best place in the world to develop it.”
The MHRA is also reforming medical device safety regulations to keep pace with fast-evolving technologies like adaptive and generative AI. It is working closely with NICE, the NHS, and academic researchers to build robust real-world evidence on AI performance.
A signing ceremony marking the UK’s membership took place at Westminster, attended by Science Minister Lord Vallance, MHRA Chief Executive Lawrence Tallon, and Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, CEO of HealthAI.
This milestone supports the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in safe, ethical, and effective AI in healthcare.
Image credit: iStock
