Calls to End Controversial NHS Data Deal

Alarm has been raised over the NHS using US data firm Palantir, after Reading Borough Council was asked to lobby for the NHS to break its contract.

The NHS signed a seven-year deal with Palantir in March 2024 to build a Federated Data Platform to integrate patient information and cut admin time.

Palantir is a US specialist in data integration, analysis and AI. It is controversial because it supplies software used by US immigration enforcement and has been linked to Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The company was co-founded by Peter Thiel and its CEO Alex Karp is an outspoken supporter of Israel. Its name comes from the palantíri in JRR Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.

Six councils, including Manchester, Sheffield and Coventry, have passed motions urging the government to trigger a contract break clause in February 2027.

Councillor David Clarke (Green, Thames), who works in the emergency department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, asked whether Reading should do the same. He said: "Palantir has a controversial £330m contract with our NHS. In February 2027, Palantir's contract with NHS England comes to an end.

"The government has a choice whether to extend the contract or trigger a break clause.

"My request is that this council should 'Back the Break Clause'.

"Palantir's involvement in the NHS entrenches our reliance on big tech firms and runs the risk of seriously damaging our health service's reputation and trustworthiness. Palantir's operations around the world are linked to widespread human rights abuses, war crimes, discriminatory policing practices and mass surveillance.

"Numerous organisations, including The British Medical Association (BMA), legal bodies, patient groups, health charities and human rights organisations have raised repeated concerns about the vendor-lock in, data privacy and ethics of the contract.

"Does this council share the concerns regarding Palantir being given ongoing access to NHS data?"

He also asked whether the council leader, Liz Terry, would lobby for the contract not to be renewed in 2027.

Cllr Terry (Labour, Coley) replied: "The Palantir contract is held and administered by NHS England, while the government and secretary of state are democratically accountable for the decision on whether to exercise the February 2027 break clause or allow the agreement to continue.

"This is not a matter within the council's powers.

"However, I agree that when it comes to healthcare concerns about data security, patient confidentiality, ethical procurement and reliance on a single supplier are legitimate and must be taken seriously.

"I therefore believe that the review must be subject to proper democratic oversight and that clear evidence should be used to make decisions, and the criteria should include safeguards protecting privacy, accountability and NHS control of data.

"This is essential to maintaining public confidence, whatever decision is reached at the break point."

The exchange took place at the full council meeting on October 13.

James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter