Sadiq Khan accused of leaving the Met with ‘hands tied behind their back’ after blocking AI deal

The chief executive of Palantir UK has accused Sadiq Khan of leaving the Metropolitan Police “fighting criminals with their hands tied behind their back” after City Hall blocked a £50million policing contract.

Speaking to GB News, Louis Mosley reacted to the intervention by the London Mayor’s office.

The US data giant was set to automate intelligence analysis for Scotland Yard in criminal investigations.

Palantir operates with more than £600 million in contracts with the NHS, the Ministry of Defence, the Financial Conduct Authority, and other police forces across Britain.

Sir Sadiq’s office cited “serious concerns” over a “clear and serious breach” of procurement rules, arguing the Met had not fully considered other providers.

The London Mayor had previously declared that public money should only be paid to companies that “share the values of our city”.

Mr Mosely expressed his disappointment at the decision, explaining it would leave the capital’s police without the necessary support.

“The Met themselves have said that it will give hostile states and criminals an advantage,” he said.

“It will mean fewer police officers on the front line for the third year in a row.

“Effectively, the Metropolitan Police is saying that the Mayor is now making them fight criminals with their hands tied behind their backs,” he insisted.

The Palantir executive argued the technology had helped the force tackle corruption following scandals involving officers, including Wayne Couzens and David Carrick.

“There have been constant demands for the Met to reform itself,” he said.

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“Now finally, after ten years, thanks to our technology, they’ve been able to root out that corruption.”

Mr Mosely also told GB News he was disturbed by the notion that Sir Sadiq blocked the deal on the basis of “values”.

“What concerns me particularly is what was briefed out of the Mayor’s office about Palantir’s values not being aligned with those of London,” he said.

“Are we going to evaluate suppliers on the basis of whether the product works, whether it’s value for money, or the personal prejudices or preferences of the individual making the decision?”

Mr Mosley compared the row to politicians continuing to use the social media platform X despite criticism of its owner, Elon Musk.

“The mayor, for example, uses X,” he said. “Does he agree with Elon Musk’s politics? However, he’s still using his service, his product.”

The Palantir boss further denied claims the company improperly accesses police or NHS data, insisting the company merely provides software to organisations that already “lawfully control” the information.

“Palantir doesn’t have access to that data,” he said. “It would be breaking our contracts, it would be a breach of the law and it would frankly end our business.”