Sheffield councillors oppose US company Palantir having access to NHS patients’ data
Several NHS trusts have already signed contract with the controversial US firm
Sheffield councillors have urged local NHS trusts to reject contracts with controversial US company Palantir to protect patient data.
The decision was welcomed by campaigners as the first such action by an English council.
A meeting of Sheffield City Council on Wednesday (June 24) backed a call made by Green Party councillors for local NHS trusts to reject the use of Palantir for data processing.
Campaigners led by Medact Sheffield gathered outside Sheffield Town Hall to lobby ahead of the decision.
Coun Toby Mallinson proposed the motion. He said Palantir, which has a £330m NHS contract, is “fundamentally incompatible” with the NHS.
He opposed outsourcing of the most sensitive patient data “to a foreign provider that has built its reputation on immigration enforcement and defence surveillance”.
Coun Mallinson said that Reform UK have said they would use such data and that from other government sources as a vehicle for mass deportations.
Coun Lynsey Angell seconded in her first speech since being elected in May. She said: “This company has used medical data in the US to target minority communities for deportation and provides support for Israeli atrocities in Palestine.
“This raises profound privacy and ethical concerns.”
Labour Coun Ruth Milsom said: “Palantir needs to be shown the door”. She referred to a leaked 2021 memo from the head of Palantir UK, grandson of fascist Sir Oswald Mosley, which said the firm wants to “hoover up” NHS-connected businesses.
She said Greater Manchester NHS Integrated Care Board has already rejected a Palantir contract.
As chair of the council’s health scrutiny board, she promised to act to question NHS trusts on the issue.
Coun Barbara Masters moved a LibDem amendment. It argued that “handing sensitive NHS data to firms like Palantir has left our public services dangerously exposed.
“The Government should be investing and partnering with British technology firms to manage patient data.”
She said the government must listen and use the break clause in its contract to take action.
Dr Rory Gibson of Sheffield Medact commented: “This motion passing is a heartening reminder of the power of community organising.
“Community organising has the power to influence decisions far beyond Sheffield and contribute to the national conversation about the future of the NHS.”