Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, has strongly criticised American data giant Palantir in a video described by many as one of the most pointed opposition statements of the year. In just three minutes, Polanski connects Palantir to the Peter Mandelson scandal and condemns Sir Keir Starmer’s government for expanding the company’s influence over UK public services.
The video, which has rapidly gained traction on X and other social media platforms, begins with Polanski stating, “There’s a sickness inside our country … it’s spreading.” He then systematically links several key points:
- Peter Thiel: Palantir co-founder and chairman, noted for questioning democracy and women’s voting rights.
- Palantir’s controversial activities: Surveillance technology sold to the Israeli military and used by Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies.
- Peter Mandelson: Former UK ambassador connected to Palantir through his consultancy, with alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Starmer’s involvement: A February 2025 visit to Palantir’s headquarters and endorsement of a £240 million Ministry of Defence contract, the largest in British history.
Polanski points out that Switzerland cancelled a Palantir contract due to data privacy concerns, yet the UK proceeded with its agreements. He particularly criticises Palantir’s role within the NHS, where its software analyses millions of patient records under a £330 million contract that includes a break clause due next year.
“NHS pilots called Palantir ‘clunky, demoralising, and a waste of public money’,” Polanski said. “We have to cut Palantir out of our NHS. It’s time to take the fight to Palantir.”
Polanski’s video has resonated beyond typical political divides, gaining attention from commentators across the spectrum. Reasons for its impact include:
- A calm and clear tone that resembles a prosecutor’s opening statement rather than partisan rhetoric.
- Factual accuracy, with the 2025 White House visit confirmed by the Cabinet Office, and Palantir’s employment of former Ministry of Defence officials involved in the contract.
- Expert opposition, including public criticism of the Palantir NHS contract by the British Medical Association and NHS trusts, alongside concerns about government transparency.
When groups such as the Greens, a centre-left think tank, and medical professionals unite in opposition, the issue clearly extends beyond fringe politics.
Palantir’s UK chief Louis Mosley responded on X, disputing some of Polanski’s claims. Mosley clarified that Peter Thiel is chairman, not CEO, denied that Palantir operates as “spyware,” and described the Washington visit as “private.”
While these points address some details, they do not eliminate the broader controversy. Palantir’s products are known to be used for surveillance by certain clients, and the Ministry of Defence contract remains one of the largest software deals in British history.
Polanski’s key achievement lies in weaving complex procurement issues into a compelling narrative about political influence and public mistrust. With the NHS contract’s break clause approaching and ongoing revelations about Mandelson’s connections, this controversy is far from resolved.
Watch this space – the Palantir story in the UK is continuing to develop.
Originally published by UKNIP.
