Members of Parliament have expressed strong opposition to the government’s £330 million contract with Palantir, a data analytics firm, during a debate on Thursday. Lawmakers described the partnership as “dreadful” and “shameful,” prompting the government to acknowledge its discomfort with the political affiliations of the American company.
Labour and Liberal Democrat representatives spearheaded the demand for Palantir’s removal from the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP), with Labour MP Samantha Niblett questioning the company’s reliability in safeguarding the sensitive health information of millions of British citizens. Liberal Democrat MP Luke Taylor characterized the agreement as “shameful,” insisting that Palantir and its founder, Peter Thiel, must be ousted from the NHS before it poses further risks.
Thiel, a tech billionaire known for his support of Donald Trump, has previously expressed controversial views regarding democracy and freedom. In response to the parliamentary debate, the government indicated it would reassess the contract when a break clause comes into effect in spring 2027, although a significant portion of the funds—£210 million—has already been allocated.
Facing increasing scrutiny from healthcare professionals, politicians, and the public, junior health minister Dr. Zubir Ahmed stated that if alternative providers emerge that could deliver better results by the time of the contract review, those options would be evaluated. However, he noted that the FDP has been meeting its performance targets, adding, “We do not support Palantir’s political stance. Nonetheless, the FDP and its foundational principles are crucial for the future of the NHS.”
The debate was led by Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley, who emphasized the importance of trust in the NHS. He stated, “The future of the NHS relies on the intelligent use of data alongside patient trust. Securing public confidence for AI-led research will be challenging enough without a company like Palantir controlling it all.”
The renewed demand for canceling the contract comes as both the NHS and Palantir attempt to promote the advantages of their collaboration. NHS England has stated that it is focused on countering “misinformation,” while Palantir is engaging in a public relations campaign guided by political strategist Isaac Levido, associated with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The FDP contract has become one of the most contentious agreements in the UK public sector. Internal documents acquired under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that health officials are concerned about “negative sentiment” related to the system. Emails from January indicated a need for proactive communication regarding the FDP, including a planned podcast series hosted by a pro-FDP NHS official. However, a proposal to utilize LinkedIn for disseminating information was rejected due to fears it could generate confusion and negative reactions.
As of Thursday, 137 NHS trusts have opted to implement the Palantir-based system, but there are concerns about the depth of its usage. One NHS official expressed that the voices of IT experts are being overlooked, indicating that the push for the Palantir FDP project has become ideologically driven. “In many instances, we are being compelled to adopt it reluctantly,” the official stated. “The tools are cumbersome and do not meet industry standards.”
Furthermore, training for staff on the FDP, expected to commence in February through a partnership with Euan Blair’s tech training company, Multiverse, has yet to begin. Palantir claims that its software has facilitated 110,000 additional surgeries and reduced hospital discharge delays. However, its controversial reputation remains a challenge. A briefing note to Health Secretary Wes Streeting cautioned that Palantir’s public image could hinder further progress with the FDP.
In an attempt to counteract criticism, Palantir has turned to social media and traditional media outlets. The company’s contracts with the UK public sector, valued at over £500 million, may be jeopardized by its associations with ICE and the Israeli Defense Forces. Palantir is being advised by Fleetwood Strategy, a lobbying firm co-founded by Levido, who played a role in the Conservative Party’s 2019 election victory.
Recently, Louis Mosley, the UK head of Palantir, has publicly criticized detractors who prioritize ideology over patient welfare. He has also shared a story with the Sun about a £60,000 internship opportunity for school leavers and sponsored a political newsletter popular in Westminster. Criticism has intensified, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski commenting on Mosley’s lineage and public persona. In response, Mosley has defended the company’s performance on social media, stating, “While the noise continues, the software works.”
However, MPs, including Dame Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons Science and Technology Committee, have rejected the notion that criticisms stem from fringe ideologies, highlighting legitimate concerns regarding vendor dependency, value for money, and data security. An NHS England spokesperson reiterated that the organization is committed to collaborating with NHS teams to facilitate the rollout of the Federated Data Platform while addressing misinformation and ensuring patients that their data remains secure.
