Sadiq Khan considers blocking Met Police deal with Palantir over ethics and public spending concerns

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, may seek to intervene in a potential Metropolitan Police contract with US technology company Palantir amid growing political and ethical concerns over the use of public funds and the company’s global activities. The proposed deal, which could be worth tens of millions of pounds, involves the use of Palantir’s artificial intelligence systems to process criminal intelligence data for Scotland Yard. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime has confirmation authority over any procurement exceeding £500,000, meaning the decision could ultimately require formal approval from City Hall.

The concerns were raised following reports that Palantir has held discussions with senior officers within the Met’s intelligence division and demonstrated its AI systems as part of early engagement on potential digital transformation tools. The company, founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, has previously worked with US immigration enforcement agencies and the Israeli military, which has led to controversy among human rights groups and political campaigners. Critics argue that its involvement in sensitive security operations raises questions about data ethics, accountability, and the use of public money to support private firms with politically sensitive international contracts.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said Khan would have concerns about directing public funds towards companies that may act in ways considered inconsistent with London’s values. The statement also emphasised that any decision on procurement would need to take into account a wide range of factors including technical capability, financial value, legal compliance, and data protection standards. At the same time, officials stressed that the overriding priority in any policing technology decision would be the safety and security of Londoners, particularly in relation to the handling of sensitive personal and criminal data.

The potential intervention comes at a time of increasing scrutiny over Palantir’s growing presence in UK public sector contracts. The company already holds major agreements, including a £330 million deal with the National Health Service to process medical data and a £240 million contract with the Ministry of Defence. These arrangements have drawn political debate over whether critical national infrastructure and sensitive datasets should be managed by a single private technology provider with strong commercial ties to the United States. Public petitions opposing Palantir’s involvement in UK services have also attracted significant support, reflecting wider public concern about transparency and corporate influence in government systems.

The controversy has been further amplified by the company’s recent policy positions and public statements, which have been criticised by some lawmakers and commentators. Opponents argue that Palantir’s expansion into policing and defence technology raises broader questions about the role of artificial intelligence in state surveillance and law enforcement. Supporters of such systems, however, claim that advanced AI tools can significantly enhance police efficiency, improve intelligence analysis, and help modernise outdated data systems. As discussions continue, the decision over any Met Police contract is likely to become a key test of how the UK balances innovation in security technology with ethical oversight and public accountability.