The UK government and Google Cloud have launched a landmark partnership to overhaul outdated legacy systems across NHS, councils, and other departments. The collaboration, announced on 9 July 2025, will also see 100,000 civil servants trained in cloud computing and artificial intelligence by 2030.
This partnership is a key part of the government’s digital transformation agenda. By moving critical systems to cloud-native infrastructure, departments can improve performance, reduce downtime, and bolster cybersecurity.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Technology, described many of the UK’s IT systems as “ball-and-chain contracts” that trap departments in outdated tools. The goal is to make the government more agile and cost-efficient, with more responsive digital services.
The partnership also includes a 12-week AI startup accelerator and a national cybersecurity platform co-developed by Google Cloud and DeepMind. These initiatives aim to strengthen the UK’s innovation ecosystem and digital workforce.
With the public sector accounting for a large portion of government spending, modernising these systems will free up resources, improve service delivery, and make the UK more resilient to future tech disruptions.
Sources: itpro.com/business/public-sector/the-uk-government-is-teaming-up-with-google-cloud-to-kill-public-sector-legacy-tech, techradar.com/pro/google-cloud-and-uk-government-reveal-major-push-to-end-ball-and-chain-legacy-tech, computerweekly.com/news/366627224/UK-government-signs-deal-with-Google-Cloud-to-upskill-100000-civil-servants-in-AI-by-2030
