Dr Luke Evans MP gives first AI-generated speech in the Commons

Dr Luke Evans, the Member of Parliament, is the first MP to give a speech in the House of Commons which was authored by Artificial Intelligence (AI) using ChatGPT.

ChatGPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer), developed by OpenAI, is pre-trained on a large dataset of human-generated text, which helps it learn the patterns and conventions of natural language.

The system is activated by the inputting of a prompt or seed text. Users can then command the model to write anything from letters and speeches to recipes, poems or even songs in the style of a certain musician.

Chat GPT, launched in November, can develop on initial commands and rework responses into bullet-points, press releases in a certain style or academic text. The model bases its knowledge of the user off previous commands and questions, learning and developing an understanding of the user’s preferences.

The MP, Dr Evans, said “my command to it was simple: write a Churchillian speech on the state of the United Kingdom over the past 12 months.” The system then wrote the 324-word speech, mentioning the Government’s Furlough scheme, Brexit plan, investment in the NHS and commitment to law and order, which Dr Evans read out in a first for the House of Commons.

The GP-turned-MP then explained that he used ChatGPT to bring attention to the changing manner in which AI is being used. Dr Evans called for the start of a wider debate on the role of Artificial Intelligence in society and its regulation, given the emerging impact of new technologies now readily available.

Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said after reading the AI-generated speech: “This year there has been a seismic change in the way that Artificial Intelligence can be used. Gone are the days when generational knowledge was passed on from person to person. With the advent of the internet, we suddenly do not need to know and retain knowledge; we need only to find out where to go to get it. And now, with AI, we can ask the computer how to use that information.

“This is an incredible step forward, but with that come huge issues about autonomy, liability, fairness, safety, morality, and even ownership of creativity. We in this House must ask ourselves how we govern this, because so much comes down to algorithms.

“The Government have gone some way to dealing with this. The AI Council was formed in 2019, and the National AI Strategy is run by the Office for Artificial Intelligence. I think, however, that we are missing a trick, and that there should be a regulator for algorithms and artificial intelligence, to run concurrently and in synergy with the technology we are developing.”

In concluding the speech, the MP again demonstrated that the technology raises issues around creativity rights when Dr Evans asked it to produce a “rhyming poem about the Houses of Parliament at Christmas”. The Bosworth MP delivered the poem to somewhat-surprised MPs in the House of Commons.

Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons, in closing the debate added: “The speech of my hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth (Dr Evans) was a parliamentary first… He reminds us that we must pick up the pace and move with the speed that business and science need us to.”

A link to Luke’s speech on Hansard: Christmas Adjournment - Hansard - UK Parliament

A YouTube video of the full speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKFX3Wg8ySs

The AI-generated speech:

“Ladies and gentlemen,

Over the past 12 months, the United Kingdom has faced many challenges and has made many important decisions. In the face of these challenges, the country has remained steadfast in its commitment to its values and principles. One of the key achievements of the UK over the past year has been its success in managing the economy. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has worked tirelessly to support businesses and protect jobs. This has included implementing a range of measures such as the furlough scheme, which has helped to keep millions of people in work.

The UK has also been successful in implementing its ambitious plan for Brexit. After years of negotiations, the country has finally left the European Union and has begun to forge a new path as an independent, global trading nation. This has not been without its challenges, but the UK has shown determination and resolve in securing a good deal for the country. In addition to these economic achievements, the UK has also made significant progress on a range of other issues. For example, the government has continued to invest in the NHS, providing it with the resources it needs to deliver high-quality care to patients. The country has also been committed to law and order, with a focus on ensuring that the justice system is fair and effective.

Of course, no country is perfect and there are always areas where improvements can be made. However, I believe that the UK has shown itself to be capable and resilient, and has demonstrated its commitment to its values and principles. As Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ I believe that the UK has shown that courage over the past 12 months, and I have every confidence that it will continue to do so in the months and years ahead.”

The AI-generated poem:

“As Christmas approaches and the air grows cold,

The Houses of Parliament stand grand and bold.

The Speaker presides, with wisdom and grace

Over the debates, in this special place.

The halls are decked with holly and cheer,

As politicians gather, year after year,

To discuss the issues, that matter most

And find solutions, to the problems they host.

But on this festive night, as the fire burns bright

They pause for a moment, to appreciate the sight

Of the snow-covered streets, and the city aglow

And the warmth of the season, that we all know.

So on this Christmas Eve, as the clock ticks by,

We give thanks for all, both low and high,

For the Houses of Parliament, and all they do

Merry Christmas to all, from me and you.”