Former Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; Member of UK Parliament.
As a Cabinet minister in 10 Downing Street, HM Treasury, and the Cabinet Office, Darren has been at the top table of the UK Government making economic, national security and public policy decisions. Deputising for the Prime Minister and, previously, for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Darren has had a unique set of experiences at the centre of government.
Darren chaired the Defence Oversight Board and, as member of the National Security Council, led on national resilience. As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, he was the decision maker for economic cases subject to the National Security and Investment Act and led on Digital ID and digital transformation.
As Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren was responsible for the UK's £1.4trn annual budget and led the first multi-year spending review for over a decade. As the lead minister for technology and infrastructure, he established the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) and published the UK’s 10 year Infrastructure Strategy.
Darren now spends his time as a legislator and lawyer working and advising on AI, climate, and national security policy, building on his past experience as a legal counsel at British Telecom and as Chair of the House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.
He co-founded an International Forum on Emerging Technology, having worked through the OECD, UN, UNESCO and other multi-lateral organisations, to help policy makers better understand the impact of AI on the economy, work, and our national security.
keynote speeches.
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The decisions being made about AI today will shape how Britain works for decades to come. Having led the Government's security assessment of AI, overseen digital transformation and co-founded an international forum on emerging technology, Darren knows how the state approaches new technology and where regulation is heading across the world's legislatures. In this keynote, he explains what that means for work, industry and UK plc, and what business leaders should be preparing for now.
Key outcomes:
What AI means for work, industry and UK plc
Where regulation is heading across the world's legislatures
How the state approaches new technology, and what business should prepare for now
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Shifting alliances, cyber threats and geopolitical competition are changing the rules for business. As a member of the National Security Council and the minister responsible for national resilience, Darren understands how government assesses those threats and prepares for disruption. In this keynote, he explains what that means for business leaders: how to navigate changes in trade, energy and technology, strengthen resilience and prepare for what comes next.
Key outcomes:
How government assesses threats and prepares for disruption
What shifting alliances, cyber threats and state competition mean for trade, energy and technology
What business should be doing now to strengthen its resilience
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What does a changing climate mean for the UK economy, and what will it cost to be unprepared? Darren knows how government weighs long-term risks against immediate pressures. With responsibility for the UK's public spending and ten-year Infrastructure Strategy behind him, and now working on climate policy, Darren understands the decisions facing both government and industry. In this keynote, he looks at the economic consequences of extreme weather and puts adaptation and resilience at the centre of the conversation, setting out what leaders need to decide to.
Key outcomes:
The economic consequences of extreme weather for the UK
Why adaptation and resilience belong at the centre of the conversation
The decisions government and industry need to make today to avoid the cost of being unprepared
videos.
Speaking Highlight
frequently asked questions.
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Darren Jones speaks on national security, artificial intelligence, geopolitics and the forces reshaping the global economy. Drawing on his experience as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, he explores how governments respond to technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and emerging security threats, and what these developments mean for businesses and their leaders.
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Darren is available for keynote presentations, fireside chats and moderated discussions at corporate conferences, leadership events and industry gatherings. His sessions explore the intersection of government, technology, security and business, with formats and durations tailored to the event's objectives and audience.
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Darren is particularly relevant to organisations navigating geopolitical uncertainty, cybersecurity risks, AI adoption and regulatory change. He helps business leaders understand how government decisions are made, how emerging technologies are reshaping industries and how developments in national security, international relations and public policy could affect their long-term strategies.
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Darren's speaking is particularly suited to boards, C-suite executives, senior business leaders and industry decision-makers. His expertise is especially relevant to technology, financial and professional services, defence, infrastructure and energy sectors, as well as organisations seeking to understand the implications of AI regulation, geopolitical developments and national security for business.
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Darren combines first-hand experience of government decision-making with a forward-looking understanding of technology, security and geopolitics. Drawing on his background as a technology lawyer, parliamentarian and Cabinet minister, he connects complex policy developments with their practical implications for organisations, helping audiences understand the forces shaping the coming decade.
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Yes. Darren's work on AI governance, national security and geopolitics addresses challenges affecting organisations internationally. His experience in government and his involvement in international discussions on technology regulation enable him to explore how differing national priorities, regulatory approaches and geopolitical developments are shaping the global business environment.
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Speaking Office represents Darren Jones MP for speaking engagements. Fees depend on the event format, location and specific requirements. Please contact Speaking Office to discuss your event and obtain further information about fees and availability
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Speaking Office aims to respond promptly to enquiries regarding Darren's speaking engagements. His speaker manager can provide information on availability, fees and event requirements, and help determine the most suitable format and subject matter for your audience.
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Virtual and hybrid engagements may be considered depending on Darren's availability and the event requirements. Please contact Speaking Office to discuss the options for your event.
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Early enquiries are recommended, particularly for major conferences, international engagements and events requiring tailored content. As a serving Member of Parliament, Darren's availability must be coordinated around his parliamentary responsibilities and other commitments.
How do I book Darren for a speech?
Speaking Office exclusively represents Darren Jones for speaking engagements. To discuss booking Darren for your event please contact Speaking Office: