The report shows that UK public opinion on AI is divided between seeing it as an opportunity and a risk. Adoption of generative AI is rising, with over half of adults having tried it, though nearly half have not used it at all. Younger people are generally more positive, while older groups show more disinterest or concern. Trust is the biggest barrier, with worries about accuracy, data privacy, and fairness shaping attitudes. Regular users tend to trust AI more, while non-users are more skeptical. Confidence in personal AI skills strongly affects whether people see it as a job enabler or a threat. The report recommends five steps for government: focus communication on relatable use cases, evaluate AI systems in real-world contexts, strengthen governance and oversight, expand digital skills training, and create public engagement programs. Building trust, it argues, is essential for accelerating adoption and ensuring AI delivers real social benefits
