BRITAIN’S largest education union vowed today to explore industrial action to prevent the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in classrooms from replacing teacher expertise.

The National Education Union (NEU) annual conference heard that Labour’s push to ramp up the use of AI in education is being driven by tech giants.

Delegates backed a motion calling for urgent negotiations with central government to “agree the protocols guiding the introduction of new digital tools to ensure they align with the demand for a fully funded education system that champions creativity and professional autonomy for teachers.

“Failure to achieve this should result in the executive drawing up an action plan to win this demand, including exploring industrial action in pursuit of our claim.”

The union moved to lobby Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to ensure that “AI becomes a tool for teachers to use at their discretion and not something to replace classroom teachers.”

Cumbria delegate Katherine Hennessy-Garside said: “AI risks diminishing that essential human connection we as teachers have in our classrooms.

“It should not be used to get rid of teachers; it should be there to empower us.”

Lewisham delegate James Kerr branded Pat McFadden “post-work Pat” after the Cabinet Office Minister trumpeted the use of a government-developed AI teaching assistant in January.

Mr Kerr said: “The Labour government is pouring in money to commission private-sector companies to develop the tools which not many people in this room have asked for and which are going to transform our lives.”

NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said: “The commercial priorities of corporations should not be the only driver in how this powerful technology is used in schools. 

“As well as the introduction of more effective regulation of AI, the government must invest in the workforce, and give them the resources, time and skills to play an active role in shaping how it is used.”