Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg co-hosted a private dinner earlier this year, providing a select group of technology entrepreneurs with direct access to a key UK government minister. The event, held at an upscale London hotel, was organised by Blair in his capacity as the head of the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) political consultancy.

The dinner included leaders from six technology companies and Poppy Gustafsson, who, at the time, served as the UK government's Investment Minister. Her role involved attracting investment into Britain. Gustafsson, co-founder and former CEO of the cybersecurity firm Darktrace, was appointed Investment Minister in October 2024.

Critics express concern that such private engagements could allow consultancies like TBI to shape the government's agenda without sufficient public scrutiny. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, founded in 2016, operates as a think tank and consultancy, advising political leaders, governments, and businesses on strategy and policy, with a notable focus on technology's role in governance.

Historical and Political Context

Tony Blair, a vocal advocate for the tech industry, has consistently promoted the revolutionary potential of technology to transform public services. His institute actively publishes policy papers that advocate for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the core of government operations. The TBI's 'Future of Britain' initiative, for instance, champions a policy agenda driven by innovation and technology, including embracing AI and digitising public services.

Nick Clegg, who served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015, transitioned to a senior executive role at Meta (formerly Facebook) as President of Global Affairs in 2022, a position he announced he would step down from in 2025. His involvement in the dinner highlights the intersection of political influence and the tech industry.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The discussions at the dinner reportedly included the government's evolving policies on artificial intelligence. The UK government has been actively working on expanding its role in developing and deploying AI. The Tony Blair Institute has been a proponent of governments worldwide digitising health records and investing heavily in AI, aligning with the interests of some of its major donors.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

A spokesperson for the Tony Blair Institute stated that the event was a discussion among tech leaders with a minister present, and no company paid to attend. Companies represented at the dinner also confirmed they had not donated to TBI or hired its services. However, the institute's reliance on donations, including over $300 million pledged by Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison, has drawn scrutiny.

Evidence/Data Box

• **Event:** Private dinner hosted by Tony Blair and Nick Clegg.
• **Attendees:** Six tech leaders, UK Investment Minister Poppy Gustafsson.
• **Date:** Earlier this year (2025).
• **Organiser:** Tony Blair Institute (TBI).
• **TBI Income (2022):** $145 million from fees and donations.
• **TBI Staff (2025):** Over 900 staff in 45 countries.

Risks and Implications

The close ties between political consultancies, tech giants, and government ministers raise concerns about transparency and potential undue influence on policy-making. The TBI's significant funding from tech billionaires and its active role in shaping technology policy could create a perception of a blurred line between private interests and public good.

Unknowns and Controversies

While the TBI asserts its non-partisan and not-for-profit status, its substantial revenue and global reach, coupled with its close proximity to government figures, continue to spark debate about its actual influence and accountability. Questions persist regarding the extent to which donor interests might align with or influence the policy recommendations put forth by the institute.

What to Watch

As technology continues to advance rapidly, particularly in areas like AI, the role of political consultancies in shaping national policy will remain a critical area of observation. Future developments will likely focus on increased calls for transparency in such engagements and clearer guidelines on interactions between private entities and government officials in policy formulation. The Tony Blair Institute's activities in Kenya, where it advises political leaders and governments on strategy, policy, and delivery, particularly in leveraging technology, will also be of interest to local stakeholders.