URGENT Patient help required: Palantir

Patient Information: Palantir and NHS Data

Palantir is a US-based data analytics company that has been awarded a major contract to run parts of the NHS Federated Data Platform. This system is designed to bring together large amounts of patient data from across the NHS to improve planning and efficiency.

While improving NHS services is important, many healthcare professionals and patient groups are deeply concerned about Palantir’s involvement. The company has a history of working with governments on sensitive data projects, including surveillance and immigration enforcement. This raises serious questions about how NHS patient data could be used, who has access to it, and what safeguards are truly in place.

There are fears that this could:

On April 16, MPs will debate the future of Palantir’s NHS contract. Although this debate will not directly change the law, it is a critical opportunity to influence decision-makers at a time when the government is actively considering whether to continue or end the contract.

Why this matters to you

Your medical data is one of your most personal and sensitive assets. Decisions made now could affect:

What you can do

We are encouraging all patients to contact their local MP and ask them to attend the April 16 debate and raise concerns about Palantir’s role in the NHS.

The more MPs hear from their constituents, the more pressure there will be to properly scrutinise – and potentially reconsider – this contract.

On April 16, MPs will debate Palantir’s NHS data contract. Ministers are already exploring the break clause. Email your MP and ask them to be there  Click this link to send a pre written letter automatically to your local MP ( see our letter below).

The link will automatically find your MP for you! If you want to add more to the letter then please do!

 

Dear Kim Johnson MP for Riverside ( including L6)

I am writing as your constituent to ask you to attend the Westminster Hall debate next week on the NHS Federated Data Platform on Thursday April 16, from 3pm to 4:30pm.

This debate comes at an important moment. The Financial Times recently reported that government ministers have been seeking advice on triggering the break clause in Palantir’s contract for the Federated Data Platform, amid mounting concerns about the company’s role in NHS data systems. The British Medical Association has formally called on doctors to limit their engagement with the platform. And a growing number of MPs from across the parties have raised serious questions about transparency, value for money and data security – as well as the suitability of a company like Palantir, with its controversial background in military, security and immigration enforcement, as a partner for the NHS.

I believe it is vital that as many MPs as possible attend this debate to demonstrate to ministers that parliament takes this issue seriously. The Palantir contract was awarded under the previous government, and the break clause falls in February 2027. There is a real window of opportunity to change course – but only if there is sufficient political will.

I would be grateful if you could confirm whether you are able to attend, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further.

Many thanks

Dr W Osborne, Dr D Watters, Dr S Maddula, Ms B Purves