Tech secretary Peter Kyle has hit back at criticism that the Labour government is cosying up to Big Tech, insisting he’s “doing the job” by securing the best deals for Britain.

Speaking at a Google Cloud event in London on Tuesday, Kyle addressed recent reports flagging the number of meetings he’s had with US tech giants since taking office – including Google, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft.

“Yes I’ve met tech companies”, he announced. “That’s how you deliver value for the public. That’s how you unlock innovation”.

The appearance came as Kyle unveiled a new agreement with Google Cloud, designed to help public sector bodies move away from ageing IT systems and train up to 100,000 workers in AI and digital skills by 2030.

But it also came amid growing concern in Westminster and the tech sector over who is being heard, and who is being left out.

161 meetings with Big Tech

It was revealed that during Labour’s first six months in office, ministers and senior civil servants met tech industry executives and lobbyists an average of six times a week – totalling 161 recorded meetings between July and December 2024.

The Guardian revealed that Kyle himself met tech firms 28 times in that period – around 70 per cent more than his predecessor, Michelle Dolan.

While many of those meetings focused on regulation and AI investment, some were flagged by critics as overstepping.

Documents revealed Kyle offered to “advocate” for Amazon in front of the UK’s competition watchdog – during a period when the regulator was actively investigating the firm. The investigation was later dropped.

Other entries show Google’s AI chief was invited to “sense check” Labour’s AI framework just weeks after the general election, prompting campaigners to raise questions about disproportionate access and influence.

Kyle has not backed away from his position. On stage today, he said: “My message to big technology companies is clear: bring us your best ideas, your best tech, and your best price – and you will get access to the biggest client in the country”.

He also updated the attendees on a new procurement platform aimed at helping UK firms tap into the £21bn the public sector spends annually on digital infrastructure.