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Politics
May 22, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Palantir Slams Sadiq Khan Over Blocked £50m Met Police AI Deal

AI Summary
Palantir has accused London mayor Sadiq Khan of putting politics ahead of public safety after he halted a £50 million AI contract with the Met Police. The dispute has sparked a partisan split within Labour and raised questions about the future of foreign‑owned AI in UK public services.

Palantir Accuses Mayor of Prioritising Politics Over Safety

Palantir says London mayor Sadiq Khan is “politicising procurement” by blocking a two‑year, £50 million AI contract for the Metropolitan Police, arguing the move jeopardises public safety.

Mayor Blocks £50m AI Procurement Deal with Met Police

Khan’s office cited a “clear and serious breach” of procurement rules and rejected the plan for the Met to use Palantir’s AI to process intelligence in criminal investigations. The decision was first reported by the Guardian on 21 May 2026.

Financial Stakes: £50m Contract and Wider Government Deals

  • £50 million – value of the blocked Met Police contract.
  • £330 million – NHS England deal with Palantir.
  • £240 million – Ministry of Defence agreement.
  • Less than £500,000 – earlier separate AI pilot with the Met to detect rogue officers.

Political Fallout and Policing Implications in London

The move has split Labour MPs: Rosena Allin‑Khan and Clive Lewis praised the block, while Stella Creasy condemned Palantir’s CEO for “using sexual‑abuse allegations to attack the mayor”. The Metropolitan Police Federation called the AI system “big brother”. Business Secretary Peter Kyle defended Palantir’s capabilities and urged Khan to explain his decision.

Future of AI Procurement and Domestic Tech Alternatives

Khan’s stance may encourage a shift toward British‑owned AI solutions, echoing Kyle’s call for more investment in domestic firms. Ongoing debates about foreign AI providers could reshape how UK public services adopt advanced technology, with potential impacts on policing effectiveness and public trust.