The UK government is stepping up its AI game with a new set of tools designed to make public services faster and more efficient. At the heart of the plan is “Humphrey,” an AI assistant named after a character from the classic British sitcom *Yes, Minister*. This digital helper aims to lighten the workload for civil servants by tackling tasks like summarizing lengthy reports, transcribing meetings, and even drafting policy documents. The initiative, led by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is part of a broader push to modernize how the government operates. With £23 billion spent annually on technology, the goal is to redirect those funds toward smarter, AI-driven solutions. Humphrey isn’t the only star of the show. The government is also rolling out AI tools to improve public-facing services. Think faster tax inquiries, streamlined death registrations, and even cutting out the need to post ads in local newspapers for truck licenses. These changes could save up to £45 billion a year, though the exact costs of building and running these systems are still unclear. Another focus is breaking down data silos between departments. For example, tax authorities and local councils could share information to crack down on fraud or better support businesses. However, this raises questions about data privacy and how far the government will go in trusting AI-generated insights. While the plans sound promising, challenges remain. Past attempts to improve interdepartmental collaboration haven’t always succeeded, and the success of these AI tools will depend on funding, authority, and teamwork. For now, many of these projects are in early testing phases, but the government is clearly serious about using AI to cut red tape and improve efficiency. Whether Humphrey becomes a trusted ally or just another bureaucratic experiment remains to be seen. ---