A core expectation for 2026 is a substantial strengthening of AI governance. The UK government's overarching National AI Strategy and AI Action Plan will provide cross-government frameworks to both maximise AI's benefits in areas like health and social care, and mitigate its associated risks. The goal is to ensure innovation is consistently balanced with robust standards for public trust, transparency, and safety.
Healthcare, a particularly sensitive sector, will see landmark developments. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is expected to deliver a comprehensive AI regulation package specifically tailored for health tools by mid-2026. This is crucial given the increasing deployment of AI systems, such as advanced imaging diagnostics and clinical decision support—in NHS settings, which challenge existing safety and clinical assurance rules. AI adoption in healthcare is set to become more mainstream, but also more accountable. Tools like ambient scribing, voice AI for clinical documentation, and predictive models will be widely embedded to ease administrative burdens. However, experts stress that for these systems to be trusted in clinical settings, their deployment must be underpinned by clear governance, explainability, auditability, and human oversight.
The drive for accountability extends beyond just healthcare. The UK's national standards body is developing an AI audit standard to crack down on inconsistent oversight by independent, unaccountable "Wild West" auditors, reflecting a consensus that technical capability must be matched by robust validation and external oversight. Agencies like the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are progressing with their AI adoption strategies, embedding tools for public health workflows and emphasising safer, scalable use. Governing AI, therefore, involves both broad laws and tailored, monitorable organisational frameworks.
Globally, the UK's approach is often contrasted with the more risk-based, conformity-focused frameworks of regions like the EU (EU AI Act). While the UK’s sector-specific model offers flexibility, alignment with national standards remains key to prevent uneven coverage. In essence, 2026 is forecast to establish a clearer normative AI landscape. The focus will shift from chaotic experimentation to measured, accountable, and trusted deployment, especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare where public trust is paramount. The government’s AI Playbook for the public sector underscores this trend by guiding departments on using AI responsibly and mainstreaming accountability across policy.
