London, United Kingdom – If Andy Burnham enters Downing Street as early as July 17, one of his most consequential early decisions will concern a seven-year, £330 million ($440m) contract between NHS England and Palantir Technologies, a leading US defence software firm.

Burnham’s Greater Manchester administration issued no contracts to Palantir during his nine years as mayor. The ramifications could extend beyond the NHS.

Media reports suggest Burnham is minded to take a tough line on Palantir across the UK government. A spokesperson said: “We’re not going to comment on individual contracts... but Andy’s guiding principles are value for money and safeguarding people’s data and British interests.”

This marks a shift from the previous Labour government under Keir Starmer, which actively courted US AI companies. Burnham’s advisers, including former tech minister Josh Simons, are working on a new AI strategy prioritising British firms.

Burnham’s record in Manchester is instructive: Greater Manchester Police confirmed no Palantir contract in five years, and NHS leaders built their own analytics infrastructure instead of Palantir’s Federated Data Platform.

Critics, including the Good Law Project, have called Palantir a “potential security risk”. Burnham’s camp reportedly worries that “unfettered tech boosterism” could alienate voters. The NHS contract break clause falls in March 2027, but a decision is needed by December.

Source: www.aljazeera.com