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UK Government considers extending Palantir NHS contract
The UK government is reportedly planning to extend a £330 million contract with the US technology firm Palantir for its work with NHS England. While ministers had the option to trigger a break clause in February, a review suggested that replacing the provider within four months would be too disruptive. Instead, plans are being drawn up to potentially replace the firm with a British alternative in two years.
The decision has faced significant opposition from medical unions, Labour MPs, and activist groups. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has called for the company’s removal, alleging that Palantir’s technology contracts with the Israeli military make it complicit in alleged violations of international law. Amnesty International UK also criticized the move, noting Palantir’s public acknowledgment of supporting Israel’s military in war-related missions.
Additionally, NHS England CEO Sir Jim Mackey stated he intends to instruct Palantir to clear any future claims regarding the benefits of its Federated Data Platform (FDP) with his team. This follows scrutiny over the platform's efficacy, as a Freedom of Information request indicated that nearly a third of NHS trusts using the platform were performing fewer patient procedures than before its implementation.
Entities
NHS England · Palantir · Palestine Solidarity Campaign · Sir Jim Mackey · United Kingdom
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Palantir contract with the NHS is valued at £330 million. novaramedia.com · www.theregister.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Palestine Solidarity Campaign alleges Palantir’s technology contracts with the Israeli military make the company complicit in alleged violations of international law. www.wireservice.ca
- [○ 1 SOURCE] NHS England CEO Sir Jim Mackey plans to tell Palantir to clear future claims about the Federated Data Platform's benefits with his team. www.theregister.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ministers considered replacing Palantir with a British alternative in two years. novaramedia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Freedom of Information request found that nearly a third of NHS trusts using Palantir's platform were performing fewer patient procedures than before it went live. www.theregister.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The UK government is considering extending Palantir’s contract with NHS England. www.wireservice.ca · novaramedia.com