Exclusive: in 2025 briefing to Wes Streeting, officials warned reputation of tech firm behind US ICE operations would hinder rollout of data system in UK

Health officials fear Palantir’s reputation will hinder the delivery of a “vital” £330m NHS contract, according to briefings seen by the Guardian, sparking fresh calls for the deal to be scrapped.

In 2023, ministers selected Palantir, a US surveillance technology company that also works for the Israeli military and Donald Trump’s ICE operation, to build an AI-enabled data platform to connect disparate health information across the NHS.

Unions accuse government of acting in bad faith after Wes Streeting announces details of increase

Health unions have criticised the 3.3% pay rise imposed on 1.4 million NHS staff in England as “an insult”, with one threatening to strike over the below-inflation award.

They described the increase announced by Wes Streeting, the health secretary, as a “betrayal” of the frontline workers – including nurses, midwives and porters – who will receive it for 2026-27. The 3.3% is less than inflation, which stood at 3.4% last month, but above the rate of inflation that is expected during the next financial year.