The Parliamentary Digital Service is analysing the possibility of deploying Microsoft Copilot, while a new working group of Commons and Lords representatives has been convened to coordinate potential use cases

Specialist parliamentary teams are exploring how generative artificial intelligence tools could support the work of MPs and peers – as well as the necessary safety measures needed to enable this to happen.

The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) is, in particular, examining the possible implementation of Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant – including its use to help manage communications.

Nick Smith, Labour MP and chair of the House of Commons Commission, said: “PDS is undertaking a cost-benefit analysis of Microsoft’s Copilot AI tool, which includes AI for mailboxes. This could aid members and staff in their management of day-to-day administrative activities and involves learning from government departments which are testing its use.”

While the specialist digital team is examining such potential use cases, Smith indicated that, before a formal pilot exercise can be undertaken “there are important information rights protections to put in place to make sure that sensitive information is handled appropriately, [and] steps to put those protections in place are taking place in coming months”.

He added: “To support members specifically, guidance is being prepared on the safe use of AI in relation to parliamentary duties. AI learning materials are also being curated, as well as opportunities to learn more through seminar-style events. Both the guidance and learning should become available over the autumn.”

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Alongside PDS – a unit of almost 600 people that delivers digital and IT services for the thousands of employees that work across the parliamentary estate – an AI Working Group has also been established in parliament. This group features “representatives of departments across both houses coordinating and considering how best to enable the use of generative AI”.

The possible use of artificial intelligence technologies by MPs, peers and staff will also be supported by a specially created “Digital Innovation Lab [which] has been established to provide a safe testing ground for the use of AI and other emerging technologies”.

Smith claimed that the lab is already working on “initial proofs of concepts… for the use of AI to support the work of Hansard and the Table Office” – where questions and motions are tabled and processed.

Beyond parliament, “house staff and PDS are working closely with government departments to understand their use of AI”, the commission chair said. This engagement has a particular focus on the digital Redbox tool, which was developed by the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence and “which can summarise documents and briefings”.

The system provides a technological version of the traditional red despatch boxes used to collate ministers’ most important papers. Digital experts are now considering “whether there is potential application in parliament” for the technology.

Smith was answering a written parliamentary question from fellow Labour MP – and chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee – Chi Onwurah. The House of Commons Commission is oversees property maintenance and other operational services across the Parliamentary Estate.