London blocks £50m Palantir police deal over Gaza concerns]

Mayor Sadiq Khan says contract involved a “clear and serious breach” of public spending rules and raised concerns over the use of taxpayer money

LONDON: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 26th, 2026) London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday blocked a £50 million contract between the Metropolitan Police and US-based technology company Palantir, which provides artificial intelligence and surveillance systems reportedly used by Israel in Gaza.

The media reports suggested that the Metropolitan Police had planned to use Palantir’s AI system to automate intelligence analysis in criminal investigations and improve operational efficiency.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said the contract involved a “clear and serious breach” of public spending rules and raised concerns over the use of taxpayer money.

A spokesperson for the mayor said Londoners expect public funds to be spent only on companies that align with the city’s values.

The Metropolitan Police, however, defended the need for advanced technology, stating that such systems are essential to maintain effective policing amid ongoing staff shortages.

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Meanwhile, the City Hall said the police had failed to submit the procurement strategy for proper approval before proceeding with the deal.

Palantir’s UK chief executive Louise Mosley criticized the decision, arguing that blocking the contract would benefit hostile states and criminals, and accusing authorities of prioritizing politics over public safety.

Palantir has expanded rapidly in the UK public sector, securing contracts worth more than £600 million with institutions including the National Health Service and the Ministry of Defence.

The company was co-founded by billionaire investor Peter Thiel, a prominent supporter of US President Donald Trump, and is known for its work with the Israeli military as well as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.