Palantir’s Tom Watson warns against ‘mob rule’ in UK contract decisions

Tom Watson, Palantir’s senior vice-president and former Labour deputy leader, has urged UK ministers not to let “mob rule” shape public contracts. His defense of the company comes as critics press the government to drop its NHS software deal and Palantir fights a court battle over proposed AI use in London police investigations.

Speaking to the BBC podcast Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, Watson urged former political colleagues to follow the rule of law. He warned that ministers could get themselves “in a lot of trouble” otherwise. The Guardian reported his remarks on October 9.

The contracts behind Watson’s warning

Labour MPs and unions are pressing the government to abandon Palantir contracts, including its £330 million software agreement with the NHS. The company is also challenging London mayor Sadiq Khan in court over his block on a proposed £50 million contract to use Palantir’s AI in Metropolitan Police investigations.

Palantir is seeking further public-sector business in Britain, where its annual turnover is £427 million, according to the Guardian.

Watson linked some of the opposition to Palantir’s work in Israel. He said the company was being targeted by people targeting Israeli businesses, although Palantir is not Israeli. Its work there, he argued, had put it “in the middle of the row of the Gaza protests.”

A willingness to work on immigration crackdowns

Asked whether Palantir would work with a Reform UK government on immigration crackdowns, Watson expressed willingness if the situation arose. His answer concerned a hypothetical government, not an announced contract:

We don’t actually work in that sector, but yes, of course we would.

Tom Watson, speaking on the BBC’s Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

The Guardian described Palantir as a supplier of AI-powered software to both the Israeli military and the White House’s ICE immigration crackdown. Those activities have fueled backlash against its involvement in British public services. Palantir was co-founded by Peter Thiel, the billionaire who supports Donald Trump.

Onwurah challenges reliance on one supplier

Labour MP Chi Onwurah, chair of the science, innovation and technology committee, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Tom is not the first politician to be blinded by tech hype.” Her committee has raised concerns about Palantir.

“The key issue is we can’t be so dependent on one company,” she said. She also pointed to Palantir’s status as a US company and its exposure to US legislation concerning access to data.

Watson took up his senior role in September, having worked part-time as a Palantir adviser since 2024. He previously served as a defence and digital engagement minister, left parliament in 2019 and later advised the gambling and music industries.

Palantir said Watson is taking leave from the House of Lords and has given up his parliamentary pass while working for the company in London.