Britain has entered an “AI arms race” with Russia, a Cabinet minister is expected to warn today.

Speaking before the Nato Cyber Defence Conference at Lancaster House on Monday, Pat McFadden will declare that artificial intelligence is “revolutionising many parts of life – including national security”.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be announcing the launch of a new Laboratory for AI Security Research (Lasr) that will work to improve Britain’s cyber resilience.

Mr McFadden will also warn that Moscow is prepared to launch a wave of cyber attacks across the country in a n attempt to cause havoc on the UK’s critical infrastructure.

He will say there is an imminent risk of a Russian cyber attack on businesses and infrastructure that could “shut down the power grids” and deal a hammer blow to the economy.