Hold a UK-wide public consultation before further expansion of AI data centres

19,574
signatures
openDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and Tradeby Robert PownallOpened 26 October 2026

Background

Hold a UK-wide public consultation on the environmental impacts of AI data centres, including whether further expansion should be restricted, paused or halted until impacts on wildlife, habitats, water, energy use, emissions, land and local communities are properly understood and addressed in full.

Additional details

The Government is accelerating AI data centre development through AI Growth Zones, planning support and priority access to power. We believe the cumulative impacts on wildlife, habitats, water, energy use, emissions, land and local communities need far greater public scrutiny. A national consultation should examine these risks and whether further developments should be restricted, paused or halted until stronger safeguards and evidence are in place before more projects are approved nationwide.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 783905.