UK Courts Anthropic to Expand in London After US Defence Clash
The UK government is making a concerted effort to attract leading AI company Anthropic to expand its presence in London, capitalising on a significant rift between the firm and the US Department of Defense.
According to a report by the Financial Times, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has developed proposals for Anthropic that include expanding its London office and exploring the possibility of a dual stock listing on the London Stock Exchange. The plans are expected to be presented to Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei during his visit to the UK in late May.
Background: The US Defence Clash
The opportunity for the UK arose after the US Department of Defense classified Anthropic as a supply-chain risk in March 2026. The classification followed Anthropic's refusal to allow its AI models to be used for surveillance and autonomous military operations without essential safety mechanisms in place. The dispute led to legal proceedings and public criticism from former President Donald Trump, creating an opening for other governments to court the company.
Key Developments
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government is actively supporting the initiative, viewing it as an opportunity to integrate Anthropic into the UK's growing technology sector. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also pitched London as a "steadfast" base for the company, emphasising the city's stable and pro-innovation environment.
Anthropic already has a significant presence in the UK, with a London office housing over 150 employees, including 60 researchers. Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak serves as a senior adviser to the company. In January 2026, Anthropic was selected by DSIT to help build and pilot an AI-powered assistant for GOV.UK services, powered by its Claude model.
The UK government has also been investing heavily in its AI ambitions more broadly, with plans to launch a £40 million state-backed research lab for blue-sky AI work. The UK recognises the lack of a homegrown competitor to top US AI labs and is seeking partnerships with leading groups like Anthropic.
Why It Matters
Securing a deeper commitment from Anthropic would be a significant coup for the UK's technology sector and its ambitions to become a global AI hub. A dual listing on the London Stock Exchange, while considered a dream scenario by some officials, would be a landmark moment for the City of London.
The move also reflects a broader strategic concern: the Open Rights Group has warned politicians about the UK's over-dependence on US companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Palantir for critical public sector and cloud systems.
What's Next
The formal proposals are expected to be presented to Anthropic's CEO in late May. Anthropic is reportedly preparing for a potential IPO as early as 2026, making the timing of the UK's approach particularly significant.
Read the full report at Reuters.
