Palantir's Tom Watson warns Labour against mob rule on contracts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 16:19 · Archive

Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, now a senior vice-president at US tech firm Palantir, has warned the government against letting public pressure dictate contract awards.

Tom Watson, former Labour deputy leader, joined the US technology company Palantir as senior vice-president in September. Speaking to the BBC's Political Thinking podcast, he warned the government against allowing public pressure to dictate procurement decisions. 'Do you want to let the rule of law lead procurement practice, or do you want mob rule to lead procurement practices?' he said. 'Because you get yourself in a lot of trouble if you go down on the latter one.'

Palantir has faced significant opposition to its expansion into British public services. The company is party to a £330m contract with the NHS and a £420m agreement with the Ministry of Defence. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is under pressure from Labour MPs and unions to remove Palantir from government contracts. London Mayor Sadiq Khan blocked a £50m deal for the company to use its artificial intelligence in Metropolitan police investigations, and Palantir is now suing him over the decision.

Watson acknowledged criticism of Palantir's work with the Israeli Defence Forces and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said some criticism constituted 'propaganda' while other concerns raised 'legitimate questions'. He argued Palantir was 'very targeted by the people that are targeting Israeli companies' despite not being an Israeli firm.

How it is being reported

• Palantir’s Tom Watson warns Labour against ‘mob rule’ on procurementFormer Labour deputy leader and top Palantir executive Tom Watson has warned his party could face “trouble” if they bow to “mob rule” on procurement procedures. Lord Watson, who became a senior vice president at the US tech giant in September, said Palantir is “very targeted by the people that are targeting Israeli companies”. Watson [...]City AM · 9 Oct, 15:45
• Palantir’s Tom Watson says ‘mob rule’ must not dictate awarding of government contractsFormer Labour deputy leader says tech firm would work with a Reform UK government on immigration crackdowns Tom Watson, the former Labour deputy leader who recently joined Palantir, has warned against “mob rule” when it comes to awarding public contracts. Lord Watson, now a senior vice-president at the US tech corporation, warned UK ministers could get themselves “in a lot of trouble” as he was questioned about concerns raised about the government working with his new employer. Continue reading...Guardian World · 9 Oct, 08:20

In this story: Tom Watson · Palantir · Andy Burnham · Sadiq Khan · Labour · United Kingdom

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