The Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) has thanked MPs from across Parliament for attending a Westminster briefing on the controversial Palantir NHS contract.
The briefing, titled Who controls our health data, was co-hosted by DAUK and was part of DAUK’s Our data, our NHS campaign.
It brought together MPs, clinicians, and patient organisations in what Dr David Nicholl, DAUK committee member who is leading the campaign, described as a ‘unified front’ on the future of NHS data.
Westminster briefing
Dr Nicholl said: “The briefing couldn’t have gone better – it was like political speed dating.
“There were MPs from across the political spectrum including from the Liberal Democrats, Labour, SNP, and independents, with the exception of Conservatives and Reform.
“It shows this issue is firmly on the radar of MPs.”
The NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) is a £330m contract awarded to US tech giant Palantir which is up for renewal next year.
The cross-party Westminster briefing was attended by Foxglove Legal, the BMA, Just Treatment, and Viscount Hanworth, and was sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Martin Wrigley.
It came at an important moment, with a Westminster Hall debate on the issue expected next month.
Palantir contract
Dr Nicholl said MPs in attendance were keen to get a better understanding of the Palantir contract, what it means for patients and the NHS, and what future options are.
He said: “Some MPs didn’t understand why this had happened, but were very receptive.
“They appreciated getting our input, and hearing from patient organisations too. There was a sense of shared concern.”
With the contract due for renewal next year, DAUK is urging policymakers to reassess and consider alternatives.
Our Data, Our NHS campaign
DAUK has long campaigned against Palantir’s involvement in the NHS, citing concerns about data governance, transparency, and value for money.
We have argued that the Federated Data Platform has been oversold and fails to provide meaningful improvements over existing systems.
Dr Nicholl said: “The contract has under-delivered.
“Colleagues using the FDP don’t feel it’s value for money. It’s really oversold and replicates things that existing electronic patient records are already doing.”
UK-based alternatives
He added that the upcoming renewal represents a crucial opportunity to rethink the NHS’s digital strategy.
“We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and look at alternatives that are more UK-based, with fewer risks attached,” he said.
Visit the Our Data, Our NHS campaign page to learn more about the campaign and to contact your MP.
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