Lambeth Council has rejected a controversial contract with US tech firm Palantir for use within the NHS, citing significant concerns over patient data privacy and the company's links to military and intelligence sectors.
The decision was made during a full council meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, following a debate on a motion brought forward by the Green Group. The motion, which was ultimately carried unanimously after amendments from Labour and Liberal Democrat groups, expressed deep reservations about Palantir's involvement in military and intelligence operations, its partnership with Israel's Ministry of Defence, and potential ethical and privacy concerns regarding its stewardship of medical records.
Councillors from across the political spectrum engaged in the debate, with the core of the discussion revolving around the potential for sensitive patient data to be managed by private multinational corporations rather than trusted public entities. The council's resolution specifically highlighted concerns about Palantir's existing ties to military and intelligence sectors and how these might impact the safeguarding of healthcare data.
The council's resolution also called for the government to halt arms exports to Israel and to impose economic sanctions, reflecting broader anxieties about international law and complicity in conflict. This wider stance underscores a commitment to protecting patient confidentiality and ensuring that sensitive data remains within public control, aligning with Lambeth's values of solidarity and challenging discrimination.
The meeting's agenda and public reports pack, available on the council's website, detail the discussions and the specific points raised by councillors. The council's decision signals a clear stance against the proposed NHS contract with Palantir, prioritising ethical data stewardship and public trust.
Agenda frontsheet Wednesday 14-Oct-2026 19.00 Council Public reports pack Wednesday 14-Oct-2026 19.00 Council Minutes of Previous Meeting