Palantir UK Chief Condemns Sadiq Khan for Blocking Metropolitan Police AI Contract
London Mayor Sadiq Khan faces sharp criticism from Palantir’s UK chief executive, Louis Mosley, after blocking a £50 million contract between the Metropolitan Police and the US technology firm. The Metropolitan Police had sought to implement Palantir’s artificial intelligence to expedite criminal investigations.
Mosley publicly stated that Khan’s decision amounted to 'putting politics over public safety' and would 'give hostile states and criminals an advantage'. He further suggested the move would prevent the Met from deploying more officers on the front line. The Met has previously indicated that a failure to secure such a deal could necessitate reductions in officer numbers.
City Hall has raised specific concerns regarding the contract’s value for money. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) confirmed that Palantir was the sole supplier seriously considered by the Met. However, MOPAC alleged that the force committed a 'clear and serious breach' of procedure by failing to present its procurement strategy for approval, despite explicit instructions. The initial cost estimate of £15 million to £25 million per year over two years escalated to a total of £50 million following negotiations, leading MOPAC to conclude that the cost could not be sustained without 'unacceptable' pressure on other budgets.
Palantir, co-founded by Peter Thiel, a significant donor to former US President Donald Trump, already holds contracts with various other UK public sector entities. Business Secretary Peter Kyle commented that Khan needed to 'set out the reasons' for his decision, while also advocating for the development of more British AI companies.
