Khan halts £50m Met Police deal with AI firm Palantir
The Metropolitan Police’s plan to acquire advanced intelligence tools from the US technology company has been stopped by the mayor, sparking debate on governance and data control.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has formally blocked a proposed £50 million contract between the Metropolitan Police and artificial intelligence firm Palantir. The decision, announced on 23 May 2026, prevents the technology company from supplying advanced tools designed to assist police in processing intelligence for criminal investigations.
The move comes as concerns regarding artificial intelligence, national security, and digital sovereignty continue to grow. The proposed agreement would have seen Palantir provide sophisticated data analytics capabilities to the force, which is the primary law enforcement agency in Greater London. By intervening, Khan has halted the integration of these specific external technologies into police operations.
The Metropolitan Police had been expected to utilise Palantir’s platform to enhance its investigative processes. Palantir is an AI technology company known for providing data analytics and intelligence tools to government and commercial clients. The blocked contract represented a significant financial commitment and a potential shift in how the force manages complex criminal data.
The decision has drawn attention from political figures across the capital. Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative Party in the London Assembly, has been cited in relation to the discourse surrounding the mayor’s choice. The intervention highlights the tension between law enforcement’s desire for advanced technological support and the political imperative to safeguard digital sovereignty.
While the specific technical capabilities of the AI tools were not detailed in the initial reports, the refusal underscores a broader institutional caution. The mayor’s action reflects a governance-focused approach to public sector technology procurement, prioritising security and control over the rapid adoption of commercial AI solutions.
