Palantir's £330m NHS Contract: A Controversial Partnership
Former health secretary Wes Streeting faces criticism from the Labour Left for his association with Palantir, a US tech firm valued at £280 billion. Critics, including Jeremy Corbyn, argue that bringing Palantir into the NHS is a grave mistake. The firm, co-founded by Peter Thiel, has secured over £900 million in UK public sector contracts, including deals with the Ministry of Defence, the Financial Conduct Authority, and 11 police forces. However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently blocked a £50 million contract with the Metropolitan Police, citing 'serious concerns' about the company's values.
What Does Palantir Actually Do?
Palantir provides software that helps organizations integrate and analyze data from multiple sources without moving it. Its NHS contract aims to create a Federated Data Platform (FDP) to modernize the UK's fragmented health data system. Supporters say this could save thousands of lives by improving efficiency, reducing waiting lists, and enabling faster diagnoses. Critics, however, warn of privacy risks and the potential for data misuse, given Palantir's ties to US intelligence and immigration enforcement.
The Hard-Left's Obsession
For many on the hard-Left, Palantir represents a threat to democracy. The firm's co-founder, Peter Thiel, is a libertarian billionaire who donated over $1 million to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and has criticized the NHS. Palantir's technology has been used by the CIA, FBI, and Israeli military, fueling concerns about its ethics. Green Party leader Zack Polanski described Palantir as a 'sickness inside our country,' while Jeremy Corbyn has campaigned against its NHS contract.
NHS Insiders Speak Out
Despite the controversy, some NHS insiders argue that ditching Palantir would be a mistake. Tom Bartlett, former deputy director of data engineering at NHS England, says the data is owned by the NHS and Palantir has no more access to it than Microsoft does to Word documents. He adds that the FDP has already led to an extra 110,000 operations and a 15% drop in discharge delays. University Hospitals Sussex reported that the system saves staff over 90 hours per week.
Political and Ethical Concerns
The deal has raised questions about transparency and conflicts of interest. Sir Keir Starmer faced scrutiny over a visit to Palantir's HQ with Lord Mandelson, whose lobbying firm once advised Palantir. Critics also point to Palantir's work with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Israeli military, arguing that NHS data could be repurposed for surveillance. However, Palantir's UK chief executive Louis Mosley denies these claims, stating that the firm does not have direct access to patient data.
The Search for Alternatives
Some moderate voices, including former Tory MP Rory Stewart, warn against over-reliance on a single US tech firm. However, Bartlett challenges critics to propose better solutions, noting that no British alternative has emerged. Lynette Nusbacher, a former intelligence adviser, describes Palantir as uniquely capable of making sense of complex data. The debate continues, with campaigners warning of privacy risks and supporters emphasizing the potential benefits for the NHS.
