Key facts
- Palantir is challenging the London Mayor's office's decision to block a £50 million contract with the Metropolitan Police.
- The Mayor's office cited concerns over procurement strategy and alignment with 'London's values'.
- Palantir argues the decision unlawfully considered the company's values and ethics.
- A trial for Palantir's legal challenge is set for January.
U.S. technology firm Palantir is contesting a decision by London Mayor Sadiq Khan's office to block a £50 million contract with the Metropolitan Police. Palantir argues that the Mayor's office wrongly factored the company's 'values and ethics' into the decision, which was made in May.
The Metropolitan Police had agreed to the two-year contract to utilize Palantir's artificial intelligence systems for automating tasks and analyzing evidence in criminal investigations. However, the Mayor's office refused approval, with reports quoting a spokesperson citing concerns that Palantir's operations did not align with 'London's values'. Palantir has criticized this as prioritizing 'politics above public safety'.
Palantir's legal challenge at London's High Court contends that the decision to block the contract was unlawful due to the consideration of the company's values. Palantir's lawyer, David Pannick, emphasized the police force's need for the technology to save money and protect frontline services. Conversely, the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime stated in court filings that the contract was not approved because the Metropolitan Police failed to secure approval for its procurement strategy and only engaged with a single supplier.
Judge Adam Constable has scheduled a trial for Palantir's case to take place in January, denying the company's request for an earlier hearing. Separately, Britain is reviewing a £330 million National Health Service contract with Palantir, following a parliamentary committee's recommendation to use a break clause due to a perceived 'clear mismatch with UK values'. Palantir's CEO Louis Mosley has called this suggestion 'irresponsible'.