This article explores growing demands for the UK government to stop awarding contracts to the US technology company Palantir. Opposition leaders are calling for a freeze on these deals, citing a lack of transparency and the government’s habit of blocking public oversight. Since 2023, Palantir has won more than £500 million in contracts with the NHS and the Ministry of Defence.

Specific worries focus on a deal between Palantir and the NHS for a new data platform. Further controversy surrounds the company’s ties to a lobbying firm founded by Peter Mandelson, who famously sought help from Jeffrey Epstein. Despite these concerns, the government has repeatedly denied Freedom of Information requests for details on meetings and contracts involving the firm.