‘History Won’t Forgive Us’ if We Fall Behind on Quantum Computing, Say Blair And Hague

‘History Won’t Forgive Us’ if We Fall Behind on Quantum Computing, Say Blair and Hague

The UK has the potential to lead the global quantum computing race but is currently trailing countries such as Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands in deployment.

Urgent Call to Action

In a new report titled A New National Purpose: A UK Quantum Strategy for Sovereignty and Scale, published by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Tony Blair and Lord Hague warn that the UK risks losing a critical technological opportunity.

"History won’t forgive us if the UK fumbles the chance to lead in the quantum computing race."

The report stresses the need for immediate measures to ensure Britain’s success in the next technological revolution and to safeguard its future security.

The Rise of Quantum Technologies

Quantum technologies, once limited to scientific research, are swiftly developing into a commercial industry. Applications include:

Navigation without satellites
Discovery of new medicines
Creation of ultra-powerful computers capable of solving tasks in seconds that today take years

Geopolitical and Economic Stakes

Blair and Hague emphasize that leadership in quantum technology will translate into significant economic and geopolitical power. Those countries that fall behind risk becoming dependent on foreign technology, undermining their security and prosperity.

"Quantum represents the next key stage of the technology revolution. Quantum technologies will remove classical bottlenecks and expand the boundaries of possibility, while leaving late movers to the fates of technological dependence."

The report urges the UK to seize the moment to lead the emerging quantum era.

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The Quantum Insider — 2025-11-03