Claims of conflict of interest as former UK AI opportunities adviser joins Anthropic

Matt Clifford, the architect of the UK government's AI strategy, has joined US startup Anthropic as managing director of international affairs.

Clifford, who previously served as Keir Starmer's AI opportunities adviser before stepping down, will lead the company's government relations outside the US across the UK, Europe, India, and Asia-Pacific regions. However, his decision to remain chair of the UK's taxpayer-backed Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) has drawn scrutiny. Dame Chi Onwurah, chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, described the dual role as a clear conflict of interest and urged AI minister Kanishka Narayan to establish boundaries.

Anthropic rejected the criticism, noting that Clifford does not make procurement or spending decisions at ARIA and will recuse himself from any decisions affecting the company. The company confirmed this operational separation was agreed with ARIA and the Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. 

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