Palantir Attacks Khan Over Blocked £50 Million Met Deal as Labour Splits
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 22
Palantir Attacks Khan Over Blocked £50 Million Met Deal as Labour Splits
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 22
Louis Mosley, Palantir’s UK and Europe chief, accused Sadiq Khan of putting “politics above public safety” after the mayor blocked a two-year £50 million Metropolitan Police AI contract.
City Hall said the deal involved a “clear and serious breach” of procurement rules because the extension process did not allow rival bids, while Khan has also argued public money should go to companies that share London’s values.
The Met called the decision disappointing and warned that without new technology it may have to cut officer numbers; Palantir had been due to automate intelligence analysis in criminal investigations.
Labour figures split over the move: MPs including Rosena Allin-Khan and Clive Lewis backed Khan, while Business Secretary Peter Kyle praised Palantir’s capabilities and urged the mayor to explain the decision.
The clash highlights wider tensions over Palantir’s UK role, with existing £330 million NHS England and £240 million Ministry of Defence contracts and growing concern about reliance on foreign AI suppliers.
Does blocking Palantir on 'values' mean London will now reject all tech giants with controversial government ties?
With police facing job cuts, can the UK afford a city-by-city ethics test for critical national security technology?
As US law can access UK data held by American firms, is true 'digital sovereignty' for Britain even possible?
London Mayor Blocks £50m Palantir Contract: Procurement Failures, Public Trust, and the Next Steps for AI in Policing
Overview
Mayor Sadiq Khan blocked a major contract between the Metropolitan Police Service and Palantir due to concerns about procurement procedures, value for money, and tight budget constraints. This immediate halt sparked disappointment from the Met Police, who stressed the need for advanced technology to support their work. Palantir defended its software, highlighting its positive impact on tackling crime and corruption within police forces. The decision reflects public expectations for full scrutiny and responsible spending, showing how ethical and financial considerations can shape the adoption of new technology in public services.