The Labour party just voted for a future in which writers and artists can't make a living from their work, in which the quality of art and information is locked into a downward spiral of regurgitated slop, and in which data centres make the planet increasingly uninhabitable.

I'm angry, but my anger is less important than the outcomes of this decision. Anyone credulous enough to believe in the dream of AI is hoping it will magically provide solutions to all of the great challenges of our age, particularly energy security and climate breakdown. Spoilers: it won't.

2025 has been the driest year for over 90 years. Temperatures are soaring. Reservoirs are dwindling. I'm expecting hosepipe bans this summer. And AI requires millions of litres of fresh water to keep data centres cool. Are we expected to prioritise AI over our gardens, our pets, human thirst?

There are lowlying island nations, UK overseas territories, exploring their potential to build data centres and make money from AI: which will increase the rate of global heating and rising sea levels. These islands will eventually drown themselves. What the hell are we doing, as a species?

And it might make things infinitesimally less terrible if people could enjoy art that challenges the madness, or has the power to bring some comfort in dark times. But the Labour party don't care about the rights of creative workers, they dom't care about art, so they've sold us down the river.

Art is better when artists can make a living from it. Art is more diverse and useful when artists can make a living from it. We get a much broader range of stories and perspectives when art is a viable career path for working class artists, and not just a hobby for the privileged.

And don't tell me that in the techo-communist utopia created by AI, nobody will have to worry about money anymore, and everyone will be able to focus on making art! 🤖🤩✨🚀 If you believe that then I have a bridge to sell you.