Green Party Leader Joins Protest at Palantir UK Headquarters
The Green party leader, Zack Polanski, has joined campaigners in delivering a symbolic 'termination of contract' notice as part of a protest at the Palantir UK headquarters in London. This action comes amid escalating calls from opposition MPs to halt public contracts with the US tech firm, driven by growing concerns over a severe lack of government transparency regarding these deals and their connections to Peter Mandelson.
Mounting Pressure Over Palantir's Public Sector Contracts
Since 2023, Palantir has secured contracts worth more than £500 million with critical UK public bodies, including the NHS and the Ministry of Defence. The controversy deepens as it is revealed that Palantir employed Global Counsel, the lobbying firm founded by Peter Mandelson. Emails released by the US Department of Justice show Mandelson sought assistance from Jeffrey Epstein to attract wealthy clients, raising further ethical questions.
Campaigners are now warning that Mandelson's links with Palantir must be fully exposed and scrutinised. The government has consistently blocked attempts by MPs and advocacy groups to examine Palantir's agreements, refusing requests for information about meetings between the company's leadership and key political figures such as Keir Starmer and former prime minister Boris Johnson.
Expansion Into Policing and Parliamentary Calls for Action
With Palantir expanding its AI-powered technology into British policing, there are renewed demands to freeze its involvement in UK public services. The Denver-based company was co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, a supporter of Donald Trump who also had ties to Epstein. Palantir provides military technology to the Israel Defense Forces and supported Trump's ICE immigration enforcement operations.
On Thursday, Martin Wrigley MP, a Liberal Democrat member of the Commons technology select committee, called for a parliamentary debate on the suitability of Palantir as a supplier to critical national infrastructure. Wrigley stated that he would halt any further contracts with Palantir until a clear picture emerges of how existing agreements were established.
Specific Concerns Over NHS Data Platform Contract
Zack Polanski has written to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, urging him to break a £330 million contract between Palantir and the NHS for a federated data platform. This deal has faced opposition from the British Medical Association, with some NHS trusts expressing doubts about its effectiveness. Polanski emphasised that Palantir has no place handling patients' personal data within the NHS and highlighted a break clause in the contract this year, urging non-renewal.
A spokesperson for Palantir defended its role, stating that its software helps deliver better public services in the UK, including increasing NHS operations, extending Royal Navy ship deployments, and assisting police in tackling domestic violence.
Government Secrecy and Ongoing Investigations
Keir Starmer recently announced plans to release documents related to Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US, though exemptions will apply for national security and international relations. The government has repeatedly blocked Freedom of Information requests investigating Mandelson's appointment and Palantir's contracts.
In June, Downing Street rejected a request from the fair tech campaign Foxglove to publish briefings to Starmer before his visit with Mandelson to a Palantir showroom in Washington DC, where they met CEO Alex Karp. This visit did not appear in the prime minister's register, and Downing Street claimed there were no briefings or minutes as it was not a formal meeting.
A government spokesperson noted that ministers engage with various companies during international travel and that Palantir is a longstanding investor in the UK.
Further Refusals and Regulatory Scrutiny
In July, the Foreign Office refused a request from the investigative newsletter Democracy for Sale for information about Mandelson's declaration of interest before his ambassadorial appointment, citing potential prejudice to public affairs. Similarly, the Department of Health and Social Care withheld reports on Palantir's NHS data platform in June, arguing confidentiality is needed for policy formulation.
In December, the MoD refused to release a partnership agreement signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and Palantir's Alex Karp, which preceded a £241 million contract, claiming release could compromise UK defence and value for money. The Information Commissioner is now investigating these refusals.
Martin Wrigley summarised the situation, stating that the lack of transparency in Palantir deals is deeply concerning and that full transparency is essential before any further back-room agreements are made. He insisted Palantir must prove its value in operational conditions beyond mere sales promises.
