Green Party leader Zack Polanski has joined activists in a dramatic protest at the London headquarters of US tech giant Palantir, delivering a symbolic 'termination of contract' notice. The demonstration comes amid escalating calls from opposition MPs for the Labour government to pause all public contracts with the controversial data firm, citing serious concerns over transparency and troubling associations.
Growing Pressure Over Secretive Deals
Since 2023, Palantir has secured over £500 million in lucrative contracts with critical UK institutions including the National Health Service and the Ministry of Defence. The company's expansion into British public services has occurred alongside its employment of Global Counsel, the lobbying firm founded by former Labour minister Peter Mandelson.
Recently released emails from the US Department of Justice reveal that Mandelson sought assistance from the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to identify wealthy clients for his business ventures. This revelation has intensified scrutiny of Mandelier's connections to Palantir and raised urgent questions about due diligence in government contracting.
Systematic Blocking of Parliamentary Scrutiny
The government has consistently blocked attempts by MPs and campaign groups to investigate Palantir's growing portfolio of UK contracts. Multiple Freedom of Information requests have been denied, including those seeking details about meetings between Palantir executives and both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his predecessor Boris Johnson.
Martin Wrigley MP, a Liberal Democrat member of the Commons Technology Select Committee, has called for an urgent parliamentary debate regarding Palantir's suitability as a supplier to critical national infrastructure. "I would halt any further contracts with Palantir until we have a clear picture of how these existing contracts came about," Wrigley stated emphatically.
NHS Data Platform Faces Mounting Opposition
Particular concern surrounds Palantir's £330 million contract to operate the NHS's federated data platform, which has faced opposition from medical professionals including the British Medical Association. Some NHS trusts have expressed doubts about the system's effectiveness and appropriateness for handling sensitive patient information.
In a direct appeal to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Green leader Zack Polanski wrote: "Palantir has absolutely no place in the NHS, looking after patients' personal data. I understand there is a break clause in the contract this year and I would urge you not to renew the contract of such a disreputable corporation."
Controversial Associations and Military Applications
Palantir's expansion into AI-powered policing technology in Britain has raised additional ethical questions. The Denver-based company was co-founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, a prominent supporter of Donald Trump who also maintained a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Palantir's military technology currently serves the Israel Defense Forces and supported Trump's controversial ICE immigration enforcement operations.
A Palantir spokesperson defended the company's UK operations, stating: "Our software is helping to deliver better public services in the UK. That includes delivering more NHS operations, helping Royal Navy ships to stay at sea for longer and helping the police to tackle domestic violence."
Transparency Failures and Ongoing Investigations
The government's refusal to disclose information extends beyond Palantir contracts to Mandelson's own appointment as ambassador to the United States. Downing Street has rejected multiple FoI requests, including one seeking briefings provided to Starmer before his visit with Mandelson to a Palantir showroom in Washington DC, where they met company CEO Alex Karp.
Starmer recently told Parliament that Mandelson "lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein, before and during his tenure as ambassador." The Prime Minister has announced plans to release documents related to Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment, though with exemptions for material affecting national security.
Multiple Departments Withhold Critical Information
The Information Commissioner is currently investigating the Foreign Office's refusal to disclose details about Mandelson's declaration of interests prior to his ambassadorial appointment. Similarly, the Department of Health refused in June to release official reports about Palantir's NHS data platform, citing the need for confidentiality in policy formulation.
In December, the Ministry of Defence refused to release a partnership agreement signed by Defence Secretary John Healey and Palantir's Alexander Karp, which preceded last month's £241 million contract award. The MoD claimed disclosure could compromise national defence and prejudice value-for-money negotiations with contractors.
Wrigley summarized the growing concern among parliamentarians: "The lack of transparency in the deals with Palantir is concerning. It is essential that we have full transparency before any more back room deals are struck. Palantir must prove its value in operational conditions, and that it isn't just slick salesman's promises."
As Palantir continues to expand its footprint in UK public services, the pressure for greater transparency and accountability shows no signs of abating, with cross-party support building for a comprehensive review of the company's government contracts and associations.
