The British government confronts intensifying criticism regarding its substantial contractual agreements with Palantir Technologies, a U.S.-based artificial intelligence and data analytics firm. Recent revelations indicate the company secured a £330 million NHS England contract in 2023, scheduled for renewal in 2027, alongside a £240 million Ministry of Defence agreement finalized in December—tripling the value of its previous 2022 defense contract.
This strategic partnership, formalized in September, includes a £1.5 billion investment pledge to advance military artificial intelligence capabilities. The collaboration focuses on developing sophisticated combat systems, including an AI-enhanced ‘kill chain’ targeting mechanism designed to improve battlefield precision.
Controversy surrounds Palantir’s expanding role within UK public services due to its involvement in multiple international controversies. Campaigners highlight the company’s provision of targeting software to Israeli military operations in Gaza and its collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during controversial immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration.
British parliamentarians have expressed apprehension following reports that Swiss military authorities rejected Palantir over concerns regarding potential U.S. intelligence access to sensitive data. Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, emphasized the necessity for ‘transparent due diligence’ in government contract reviews.
Medical associations including the British Medical Association (BMA) and Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) strongly oppose Palantir’s NHS Federated Data Platform initiative. The BMA declared Palantir an ‘unacceptable partner’ in June 2025, citing ethical incompatibility with healthcare values. DAUK’s polling indicates 48% of patients would opt out of data sharing if Palantir manages their information.
Privacy advocates warn of systemic risks, noting Palantir’s software interoperability between its Foundry healthcare platform and Gotham military application. Health data experts caution against creating technological dependency that might prove irreversible, comparing the situation to subscription models where initial free access leads to indispensable integration.
Legal challenges led by DAUK and The Good Law Project seek to halt further implementation, while several NHS trusts explore alternative data management solutions. With the contract review approaching in 2027, opposition groups aim to mobilize broader resistance against Palantir’s deepening integration into UK public infrastructure.