Full Breakdown
Palantir Sues London Mayor Over Blocked £50m Met Police Contract
6/9/2026, 8:08:37 PM
Blocked £50m Met Contract and Legal Threat
Palantir announced it will sue London Mayor Sadiq Khan after he vetoed a £50 million contract that would have let the Metropolitan Police use Palantir’s AI-driven intelligence-analysis software. Palantir’s lawyers have sent a pre-action letter to MOPAC indicating intent to challenge the decision in court.
Procurement Rules and Ethical Concerns
Khan’s office said the Met did not follow procurement rules: it failed to submit a strategy, engaged only Palantir, and did not show value for money. The mayor also cited “values” concerns, arguing funds should not support firms whose activities conflict with ethical standards.
Key Actors
- Sadiq Khan – Mayor of London.
- Louis Mosley – Palantir UK chief executive.
- Sir Michael Ellis KC – former attorney general.
- David Lammy – Deputy Prime Minister.
- Liz Kendall – Technology Secretary.
Palantir’s Public-Sector Portfolio
The £50 million Met contract would be Palantir’s largest police deal. Existing UK contracts include the NHS (£330 million), the Ministry of Defence, and regional police forces in Bedfordshire and Leicestershire. Internationally, Palantir supplies software to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Israeli military.
Official Statements & Responses
Khan’s office said the Met did not present a compliant procurement strategy and only Palantir was approached. Palantir’s UK leadership called the veto a politicised decision that harms public safety. Sir Michael Ellis warned the action may be subject to judicial review. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed a review of the NHS contract, noting a possible break clause in early 2027.
Criticism & Opposition
A parliamentary select committee urged termination of the NHS deal, calling Palantir an “unacceptable point of weakness.” Labour MPs labelled its executives “Blofeld villains.” Groups cite Palantir’s role in U.S. immigration enforcement and Israeli military targeting, and demonstrators have protested outside its offices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Khan’s office frames the veto as a procedural breach, while commentators emphasize ethical concerns about Palantir’s overseas activities. Detailed evidence of the Met’s procurement process and the weight given to “values” considerations have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Louis Mosley, who runs Palantir’s UK arm, accused the mayor of putting politics over public safety.” — Louis Mosley, UK chief executive, Palantir
- “Not allowing the Metropolitan Police to have this software will give hostile states and criminals an advantage. It’ll mean they cannot put more officers on the front line,” — Louis Mosley, Palantir
- “Speaking to City AM yesterday, Khan said “people want certainty” when it comes to AI use in government and by public bodies, and how it is regulated.” — Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
- “appears to be based, at least in part, on Khan’s political sensibilities, namely how he views the values and ethics of this American company.” — Sir Michael Ellis KC, former attorney general
What’s Next
Palantir will file a claim that may be subject to judicial review. The NHS contract review will decide whether to trigger a break clause. The outcome of the legal challenge and parliamentary scrutiny are expected to shape UK procurement policies for AI and data-analytics tools.
