UK joins global network for the safe use of AI in healthcare

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has  joined a new global network of health regulators focused on the safe and effective use of AI in healthcare.

By joining the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network as a founding ‘pioneer’ country, the MHRA will work with regulators around the world to share early warnings on safety, monitor how AI tools perform in practice, and shape international standards together.

Wes Streeting, health secretary, said: “I’m delighted that the UK has been invited to become a Pioneer Country in HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network.

“This recognition underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of responsible AI innovation in healthcare. As we implement our 10 year health plan, cutting-edge technology will be crucial to transforming patient care and NHS efficiency.

“Working with international partners through this network will ensure we harness AI’s incredible potential, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and ethics.”

The UK is the first of 10 countries from diverse regions being invited over the coming months, with the common goal of helping to make AI in healthcare safer and more effective for patients around the world.

A signing ceremony to mark the UK’s membership took place on 24 June 2025 at Westminster with Lord Patrick Vallance, science minister, Lawrence Tallon, chief executive at MHRA, and Dr Ricardo Baptista Leite, chief executive of HealthAI.

Dr Leite said: “We are proud of this landmark collaboration with the UK Government and the MHRA.

“The UK has long been a trailblazer at the intersection of AI and health, and we are honoured to welcome it as the first of 10 pioneer countries in the HealthAI Global Regulatory Network, fostering global collaboration and shared learning in the regulation and scaling of AI for health.

“We believe the UK will both strengthen its leadership in this critical field and offer invaluable expertise to its peers, accelerating global progress toward equitable, AI-powered health systems that ultimately contribute to improving quality of life and wellbeing for all.”

The MHRA will draw on its work in the UK to help shape the network from the ground up, including AI Airlock, a regulatory sandbox for AI medical devices which lets companies test new tools with the regulator before wide NHS roll-out.

Earlier this month, the MHRA received £1 million in funding for the AI Airlock programme to help expand access to the regulatory testing ground.

Tallon said: “AI has huge promise to speed up diagnoses, cut NHS waiting times and save lives – but only if people can trust that it works and is safe.

“That’s why we’re proud to be leading the way, shaping how this powerful technology is used safely in healthcare here and around the world.

“From our AI Airlock testbed to new guidance on fast-moving tech like generative AI, we’re backing smart innovation that works for patients – and makes the UK the best place in the world to develop it.”

The MHRA has updated its guidance and continues to reform medical device regulations to better reflect emerging technologies like generative AI.