LONDON — American technology company Palantir has taken its fight to court after London’s mayor’s office blocked a major policing contract, with the firm arguing Thursday that the rejection improperly factored in its perceived “values and ethics.”
The company had secured a two-year deal worth £50 million — roughly $67 million — with the Metropolitan Police. Under the agreement, Palantir’s artificial intelligence tools would have been used to automate certain police tasks and assist with evidence analysis in criminal cases.
In May, the mayor’s office refused to sign off on the contract, telling the Met that the police force had failed to hold an open competitive bidding process before selecting Palantir.
A spokesperson for London Mayor Sadiq Khan was also quoted in reports expressing concern that Palantir did not align with “London’s values” — a characterization the company has sharply criticized, calling it “putting politics above public safety.”
Palantir’s attorney, David Pannick, argued in court that the Metropolitan Police “desperately needed technology in order to save money” and that the force believed the contract “would enable them to protect frontline services.”
The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime pushed back in court filings, maintaining the contract was rejected because the Met failed to get prior approval for its procurement approach and only consulted a single supplier throughout the process.
Judge Adam Constable ruled that a full trial of Palantir’s legal challenge will be held in January, turning down the company’s request to move the hearing to an earlier date later this year.
Palantir’s ties to U.S. military and immigration contracts, along with the political views of billionaire co-founder Peter Thiel, have drawn increasing attention as European governments grow more cautious about relying on American technology platforms.
The company is also facing scrutiny in Britain over a separate £330 million contract with the National Health Service, which is currently under review. A parliamentary committee recently described Palantir as having a “clear mismatch with UK values” and recommended invoking a break clause in that contract. Palantir’s British CEO Louis Mosley called that recommendation “irresponsible.”
