London: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has blocked a proposed £50 million agreement between the Metropolitan Police and US technology company Palantir Technologies over concerns linked to public spending rules and the firm’s alleged involvement in Israeli military operations in Gaza.
According to media reports, the Metropolitan Police intended to use Palantir’s artificial intelligence and surveillance systems to automate intelligence analysis during criminal investigations.
A spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office stated that Londoners expect public funds to be spent only on companies that align with the city’s values and ethical standards.
Sadiq Khan said the procurement process for the deal involved “clear and serious violations” regarding the use of public money.
On the other hand, the Metropolitan Police argued that adopting advanced technologies has become essential to maintain effective policing despite staff shortages and increasing operational demands.
In an official statement, City Hall claimed that the Metropolitan Police failed to submit its procurement strategy to the relevant oversight body for approval before moving ahead with the contract.
Meanwhile, Palantir UK Chief Executive Louis Mosley criticized Khan’s decision, saying it would benefit hostile states and criminals. He accused the mayor of prioritizing politics over public safety.
Palantir has significantly expanded its presence in Britain’s public sector in recent years, securing contracts worth more than £600 million with institutions including the National Health Service (NHS), the Ministry of Defence, and other government bodies.
The company was co-founded by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, a prominent supporter of former US President Donald Trump. Palantir has faced criticism from activists over its reported cooperation with the Israeli military and US immigration enforcement agencies.
The decision is likely to intensify debate in the UK over the use of AI-powered surveillance technologies, public accountability, and ethical standards in government contracts.
