Lord Chris Holmes, House of Lords, UK Parliament

Lord Chris Holmes has been a Member of the House of Lords since 2013.

His core policy focus is on digital technology for the public good, with a particular interest in technologies such as AI and Blockchain. In Parliament, he specializes in legislation that deals with technology and inclusion, introducing Private Members Bills on the regulation of artificial intelligence and banning unpaid work experience. Lord Holmes was integral to the passing of the ground-breaking Electronic Trade Documents Bill (allowing for digitalisation of trade documents) and is a member of the Special Public Bill Committee for the Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill. Lord Holmes writes regularly on tech regulation and fintech for  Computer Weekly and Finextra.

Lord Holmes is a firm believer in the benefits of diversity and inclusion and has campaigned for more accessible environments for disabled people. He has also advised the government on diversity and inclusion including conducting an independent review on improving access to public appointments for the Cabinet Office, and under his own auspices, a two year on Progress Report to assess implementation.

Technology and inclusion are the ‘golden threads’ that run through everything he does. The opportunity provided by emerging technologies and the value of genuine inclusion provide both the practical and philosophical underpins to his work across the public and private sectors.

Before entering Parliament, he had a successful sporting career as ‘Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimmer’ winning a total of 9 gold, 5 silvers and 1 bronze. He continued his involvement with the Games as Director of Paralympic Integration, responsible for the organisation of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.