Palantir defends its record as MPs demand more scrutiny of data use

Palantir’s UK executive has addressed criticisms surrounding the company’s role in NHS data handling, as political leaders push for closer examination of its involvement in healthcare contracts. A recent directive to NHS England trusts highlighted the use of Palantir’s core products, sparking debate about data security and national infrastructure risks.

Criticism from Political Leaders

Labour MP Emily Darlington raised concerns last week, calling Palantir’s presence in the NHS a “major security risk” due to its foreign origins. The Liberal Democrats echoed this, asserting that the firm should not be part of the UK’s national security framework. Green Party leader Zack Polanski further accused Palantir of acting as a “military surveillance company,” while Conservative MP Wendy Morton emphasized doubts about its data protection capabilities.

“The NHS is the biggest health service in the world with the biggest amount of patient data… It’s a major security risk if you’re working with a company whose chief executive talks about the NHS as a ‘delusion’ and doesn’t share the values of the NHS or Britain in general.”

Palantir’s £300m NHS contract, secured in late 2023, is set for renewal in the coming year. The Foundry “federated data platform” aims to unify disparate databases across the NHS, tackling challenges like inconsistent IT systems in GP practices, clinics, and hospitals.

Palantir’s Defense and Contract Details

At a BBC appearance, Palantir UK’s vice-chair Louis Mosley welcomed scrutiny, stating the company’s software provides “value for money” and safeguards patient data. He argued that integrating information across NHS locations is essential for improving services, such as managing waiting lists and hospital resources.

“Joining up that information is what we are doing for the NHS.”

Mosley also clarified that Palantir does not access NHS data, drawing a parallel to Microsoft’s use of Excel or Word without compromising patient privacy. Labour MP Alex McIntyre, part of the Health and Social Care select committee, backed Palantir’s involvement, stressing that data remains under NHS control.

“We’ve been really clear, we have red lines here, the data must stay in the UK, it must be NHS owned.”

Despite these assurances, critics highlight Palantir’s ties to the CIA, contracts with the Israeli Defence Force, and Peter Thiel’s support for Donald Trump’s presidency. Sir Ed Davey of the Liberal Democrats urged the Health Secretary to exclude Palantir from government contracts, advocating for domestic alternatives. Polanski reiterated his stance, insisting the company should not be part of the NHS. Morton noted that Palantir’s contracts were initiated under the previous administration, leaving current oversight to Labour.