UK MPs Demand Cancellation of Controversial Palantir NHS Contract
Labour and Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament have intensified calls for the UK government to terminate its £330 million contract with US spytech firm Palantir for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). During a Westminster debate, MPs criticized the deal as shameful and dreadful, citing concerns over data privacy, trust, and Palantir’s associations with Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the Israeli military. Critics, including MP Luke Taylor, argued that founder Peter Thiel’s political views make the company an unsuitable custodian for sensitive British health records. In response, the government acknowledged it is not a fan of Palantir’s politics but emphasized the FDP’s critical role in the NHS’s future and its current performance success. Officials confirmed they will review the contract when a break clause activates in spring 2027, by which time £210 million will have been spent. Meanwhile, internal documents reveal NHS England’s efforts to counter negative public sentiment through proactive communications, while critics allege the project’s adoption is driven by ideology rather than technical merit.
Wire timeline
UK MPs Demand Cancellation of Controversial Palantir NHS Contract
Labour and Liberal Democrat Members of Parliament have intensified calls for the UK government to terminate its £330 million contract with US spytech firm Palantir for the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP). During a Westminster debate, MPs criticized the deal as shameful and dreadful, citing concerns over data privacy, trust, and Palantir’s associations with Donald Trump’s immigration policies and the Israeli military. Critics, including MP Luke Taylor, argued that founder Peter Thiel’s political views make the company an unsuitable custodian for sensitive British health records. In response, the government acknowledged it is not a fan of Palantir’s politics but emphasized the FDP’s critical role in the NHS’s future and its current performance success. Officials confirmed they will review the contract when a break clause activates in spring 2027, by which time £210 million will have been spent. Meanwhile, internal documents reveal NHS England’s efforts to counter negative public sentiment through proactive communications, while critics allege the project’s adoption is driven by ideology rather than technical merit.
The Guardian