A cross-party committee of MPs has urged the government to begin looking for an alternative to Palantir’s Federated Data Platform (FDP), citing public concerns over data security, doubts about the platform’s effectiveness, and the availability of other solutions.
In a letter to health innovation minister Preet Kaur Gill, the Health and Social Care Committee recommended that the government prepares to end the contract when a break clause becomes available in February 2027.
The committee said “serious mistrust” of Palantir among the public could discourage patients from allowing the NHS to use their medical data, potentially undermining broader plans to digitise healthcare.
MPs also questioned claims that the FDP has improved NHS performance. The committee noted that NHS England had previously published claims that waiting lists had fallen and procedures had increased since the platform was introduced. However, NHS England has since clarified that it cannot conclude the FDP was responsible for those improvements because other variables were not controlled for.
The committee also pointed to the government’s acknowledgement that some NHS trusts already have capabilities that exceed those offered by the FDP, suggesting alternative products could be deployed more widely across the health service.
Alongside its recommendation to seek a replacement, the committee has asked the Department of Health and Social Care what advice it has received on appointing a new supplier by March 2027. MPs have also requested details of the assessment the department will carry out before deciding whether to continue with Palantir.
“Little by little, the government’s arguments for sticking with the FDP have unravelled,” said health and social care committee chair Layla Moran. “So in the interest of public confidence in the NHS and the security of their medical information, we believe it is time to crack on with preparations to find an alternative in time for spring 2027.
“The FDP may have had some advantages, but there are also downsides and it is evidently not the only show in town.”
Earlier this month, The Telegraph reported that Andy Burnham is expected to review the NHS’s £330 million contract with Palantir if he becomes prime minister following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
The paper said that Burnham will not award future government work to the US software company, reflecting his record as Greater Manchester mayor, where no contracts were awarded to Palantir during his nine years in office.
