Keir Starmer recently faced a significant challenge when he sought a special exemption from US export controls that affect Anthropic’s AI models. This request encountered a definite rejection from US officials.
In June 2026, the US government enacted stringent export controls on advanced AI technologies, particularly targeting Anthropic’s new models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5. These models fall under the Claude 5 family and were restricted as part of broader national security measures. The UK government regards these technologies as essential for maintaining its competitive edge in the innovation landscape. Starmer's administration presented the argument that access to these AI models is vital for the growth and functionality of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the UK.
The response from the Trump administration was unequivocal, stating that providing exemptions—even to G7 partners—was contrary to their strategic interests. This resistance to change left various stakeholders in the UK facing challenges reminiscent of those encountered during previous semiconductor export restrictions.
To comply with US regulations, Anthropic discontinued Fable 5 and Mythos 5 on a global scale. While Fable 5 was broadly released with associated safety measures, Mythos 5 saw a limited release, offering fewer protections. For many UK SMEs, the inability to access these advanced models significantly hampers business operations and raises concerns over the UK's position in the global technology arena.
Over the weekend of June 12-13, 2026, Starmer's team engaged in lobbying efforts for a specific exemption tailored to UK needs. The Prime Minister plans to bring up this pressing matter with Trump during the forthcoming G7 meeting, as the situation continues to evolve.