Trending Now - Sadiq Khan Halts Met Police's £50M Palantir Contract Over Rules Violation

WHO:

Techmeme - London Mayor Sadiq Khan

Techmeme - Met Police (Scotland Yard)

WHAT:

Techmeme - Sadiq Khan blocked the Met Police's £50M contract with Palantir to automate intelligence analysis.

BBC - The Met Police faces a £125M funding shortfall and plans to reduce its workforce by 1,150 posts.

WHERE:

Techmeme - London

WHY:

Techmeme - Khan cited a "clear and serious breach" of procurement rules as the reason for blocking the contract.

BBC - The technology was deemed crucial for maintaining service while facing budget cuts for the third consecutive year.

HOW:

Techmeme - The Met Police had been in talks to use Palantir's AI technology for intelligence analysis automation.

(UPDATED May 21, 2026 23:24 UTC)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has blocked the Metropolitan Police's £50 million contract with Palantir, citing a "clear and serious breach" of procurement rules. This decision comes as the Met faces a £125 million funding shortfall and plans to cut its workforce by 1,150 positions, making the need for such technology critical. The police had been in discussions to implement Palantir's AI technology to automate intelligence analysis, which is seen as essential for maintaining services amid ongoing budget constraints.