Key facts
- Britain is reviewing its National Health Service contract with U.S. data analytics firm Palantir.
- The contract, worth £330 million, runs until early 2027, with an option to extend.
- Political pressure is mounting to use a break clause to terminate the deal.
- Concerns include patient confidentiality, public trust, and reliance on a U.S. supplier.
- A parliamentary committee warned of an 'unacceptable point of weakness' and risks from overseas dependence.
Britain is undertaking a comprehensive review of its National Health Service contract with U.S. data analytics firm Palantir, as political pressure mounts to utilize a break clause before the initial term concludes in early 2027. The contract, valued at £330 million ($441 million), was awarded in 2023 to establish a platform for linking NHS data.
Technology minister Liz Kendall confirmed the review, stating it would evaluate all aspects of the deal to ensure the best outcome for Britain. Key concerns revolve around patient confidentiality, public trust, and the nation's reliance on a U.S. supplier. A recent parliamentary committee report urged the government to terminate the contract, labeling Palantir's role an "unacceptable point of weakness" and highlighting the risks associated with depending on a small number of U.S. tech firms for critical services. Despite these concerns, officials have noted benefits in areas such as managing waiting lists and hospital discharge planning.
The deal has also faced scrutiny due to Palantir's existing contracts with the U.S. military and immigration authorities, as well as the political leanings of its co-founder, Peter Thiel. Campaigners and unions have voiced apprehension regarding the security of sensitive health data, with reports indicating that NHS officials had proposed granting external staff, including Palantir personnel, broad administrative access to identifiable patient information. Palantir maintains that its software enhances patient care and operational efficiency within the NHS.
In a separate development, London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently vetoed a £50 million police contract with Palantir, citing concerns over value for money and the ethical considerations of public procurement.