Former Labour Deputy Joins Palantir as Tech Giant Targets UK Growth
Watson will lead efforts to increase the social and economic value of Palantir's public-service work amid contract disputes and legal challenges.
- On Friday, Lord Tom Watson announced his appointment as Senior Vice President of Palantir UK, four months after taking leave from the House of Lords where he had served as a strategic adviser since 2024.
- Green Party MP Sian Berry criticized the appointment as a "corrosive revolving door between politics and big business lobbying," arguing Palantir's work with the Israel Defense Forces and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement makes it unsuitable for public services.
- Palantir currently holds a £330 million National Health Service contract and maintains a £240 million Ministry of Defence deal, while suing London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan after he blocked a £50 million Metropolitan Police contract.
- Watson stated he joined Palantir "to build things, not to open doors," while UK and Europe chief executive Louis Mosley said Watson will help increase the "social and economic value" of their public service work.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure from unions and Labour MPs to replace Palantir's platform, as the government evaluates whether to invoke a break clause in the controversial £330 million NHS contract.
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15 Articles
Tom Watson joins Palantir as its £330m NHS contract heads for a break clause
Lord Tom Watson, Baron Watson of Wyre Forest, Labor’s former deputy leader, has joined Palantir as a senior vice president, an appointment he announced on X. He called it: “Palantir is the most interesting company on the planet, doing work of real consequence: helping Britain and its allies defend themselves, helping police protect our citizens, […] This story continues at The Next Web
Ex-Labour deputy leader joins AI giant Palantir after Sadiq Khan’s clash over £50m Met deal
Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson is facing criticism after taking a senior vice-president role at tech giant Palantir, which holds major UK Government contracts, including with the NHS and Ministry of Defence.Announcing the appointment, Mr Watson called Palantir “the most interesting company on the planet” and said it does “work of real consequence” helping Britain and its allies, police and the NHS.He acknowledged concerns over technology…
The Independent
Former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson takes senior job at Palantir
The former minister announced his new role as senior vice president on Friday
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