UK Parliament Committee Unveils Seven Priorities for Economic Revival, Highlighting AI Transformation

Committee Sets Ambitious Agenda for 2026

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has unveiled its ambitious agenda for the year ahead, outlining seven major priorities aimed at bolstering the United Kingdom's economic revival. The announcement, made on February 3, 2026, follows a comprehensive nationwide consultation process that engaged hundreds of businesses, trade unions, and consumer groups. The Committee emphasized its commitment to not only investigate these critical issues but also to 'drive action on them. Fast. Focused. Relentless.'.

Key Pillars of Economic Transformation

The Committee's priorities are designed to address pressing economic challenges and opportunities, with a significant emphasis on technological advancement and national resilience. The seven areas of focus include:

• AI, productivity and the future workforce: This priority seeks to explore how Britain can lead the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously ensuring that workers possess the necessary skills and protections for evolving job markets.
• Inward investment from China and UK economic security: The Committee aims to strike a balance between attracting foreign capital and safeguarding critical national infrastructure and strategic industries.
• Delivering the Industrial Strategy and rebuilding UK competitiveness: This involves scrutinizing government plans to revitalize British manufacturing, reduce costs—particularly energy expenses—and restore the UK's competitive edge in global markets.
• Fostering enterprise: Entrepreneurship and micro-businesses: The objective here is to unlock economic growth by dismantling barriers faced by the UK's smallest firms and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Implementation and enforcement of employment rights: This priority focuses on ensuring that new workplace protections are effectively put into practice.
• Consumer protection: The Committee will work to strengthen safeguards for consumers in an era characterized by digital commerce and economic pressures on household budgets.
• Regulatory reform: This involves streamlining regulations to foster enterprise while upholding standards that protect both consumers and workers.

Consultation and Engagement

The formulation of these priorities was informed by the Committee's second annual national roadshow, which gathered evidence from businesses across seven cities and received 169 written submissions. This extensive engagement underscores the Committee's dedication to addressing the issues most pertinent to Britain's economic future.