• DATA
  • STRUCTURE
  • OPTIONS
  • HUMAN

How to extract filtered ONS observations with your AI

Connect the UK ONS Discovery MCP to your AI client. Once connected, your agent can browse dataset structures and pull specific statistical values through natural language.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I get specific ONS stats using my AI?

Your AI uses the connector to find valid dataset dimensions and filter for the exact values you need. You'll get specific statistical observations without manual searching. This breakdown shows you how the AI handles the data.

Data outcomes

What you get

The results your AI produces after processing your request.

DATA

Filtered observations

The AI pulls the specific statistical values you asked for. You get the raw numbers that match your filters.

STRUCTURE

Dataset dimensions

Your AI identifies the valid categories and variables within a dataset. This ensures your queries use correct parameters.

OPTIONS

Valid filter values

The AI checks which specific options exist for each dimension. This prevents errors caused by invalid filter requests.

HUMAN

Final verification

You review the statistical outputs. The AI provides the data, but you decide if the numbers fit your analysis.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI follows a logical path to turn a question into a specific data point.

  1. Map the dataset

    The AI looks at the available variables in the ONS dataset to understand what can be queried.

    get_dimensions

  2. Check valid values

    It verifies which specific options exist for each dimension to ensure the filters are valid.

    get_dimension_options

  3. Apply filters

    The AI builds a precise request using the dimensions and options it just identified.

    get_dimension_options

  4. Retrieve data

    The AI pulls the final statistical observations that match your criteria.

    get_observations

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your data extraction.

Starting points

Swap out the dataset names and specific variables for the ones you actually need.

UK ONS Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_fvId9Opua7L9Nik9gCqSg8golmJupaDzpV9JVlBd/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — UK ONS capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "uk-ons-discovery-search-337-statistical-datasets-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_fvId9Opua7L9Nik9gCqSg8golmJupaDzpV9JVlBd/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find the dimensions available in the UK employment dataset.

  • What are the valid options for the 'Region' dimension in the population dataset?

  • Get the observations for the 'Age' dimension where 'Year' is 2022.

  • List the dimensions for the consumer price index dataset and pull the latest values.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect UK ONS Discovery once, then ask.

One click connects the MCP to your client. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can start querying immediately.

Connect UK ONS Discovery to your AI

FAQ

How the task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI change the data in the ONS datasets?

    No. The tools only allow the AI to read dimensions and observations. It cannot modify any ONS records.

  • 02

    Does the AI decide which filters to use?

    The AI suggests filters based on the dimensions it finds, but it follows your specific instructions for the final query.

  • 03

    Can I use this to download entire datasets?

    No. The AI pulls specific observations based on your filters. It is designed for targeted data retrieval rather than bulk database dumps.

  • 04

    How does the AI know which dimensions are valid?

    It uses the get_dimensions tool to see the structure of the dataset before it attempts to pull data.

  • 05

    Can the AI create new statistical categories?

    No. The AI can only work with the existing dimensions and options provided by the ONS.

  • More questions about UK ONS Discovery? The Connector page answers them. See everything the UK ONS Discovery Connector can do

Connect UK ONS to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more