‘History Won’t Forgive Us’ if UK Falls Behind in Quantum Computing, Say Blair and Hague
The UK has the potential to lead the global quantum computing race but is currently trailing countries such as Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands in deployment.
Urgent Call for National Quantum Strategy
A new report published by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change warns of the risks if the UK misses its chance to lead in quantum technology. Titled A New National Purpose: A UK Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale, the report urges decisive action to ensure Britain’s success in this emerging revolution and protect its future security.
Quantum Technologies: From Science to Industry
Once limited to scientific research, quantum technologies are quickly becoming a major commercial sector. Applications include navigation independent of satellites, discovering new medicines, and developing ultra-powerful computers capable of solving problems in seconds that currently take years.
Economic and Geopolitical Significance
Blair and Hague emphasize that leadership in quantum technology will translate into significant economic and geopolitical power. Countries that fall behind risk depending on foreign technology, jeopardizing their security and prosperity.
“Quantum represents the next key stage of the technology revolution. Quantum technologies will remove classical bottlenecks and expand the boundaries of possibility, while leaving late movers to the fates of technological dependence.”
— Tony Blair and Lord Hague, joint foreword
Summary
The UK's lagging quantum efforts threaten its sovereignty and economic future, highlighting an urgent need for strategic investment and leadership to maintain global competitiveness.
Would you like the summary to be more formal or conversational?