The Metropolitan Police had been in talks to use Palantir artificial intelligence to speed up criminal investigations under a £50m contract. The decision to block the deal has been criticized as prioritizing politics over public safety. Palantir’s UK chief executive warned that refusing the software would advantage hostile states and criminals and could prevent the police from increasing officer numbers. The Metropolitan Police previously warned that officer cuts could follow if the deal does not proceed. City Hall raised concerns about value for money and whether procurement should consider a company’s ethics. The Business Secretary said the mayor should explain the reasons and emphasized scaling British AI firms. MOPAC stated Palantir was the only seriously considered supplier and said the force failed to present its procurement strategy for approval, calling it a serious breach.
"“Not allowing the Metropolitan Police to have this software will give hostile states and criminals an advantage. It'll mean they cannot put more officers on the front line. I think the mayor is putting politics over public safety. He talks about values, but I think what Londoners value is not being mugged, not being raped by a serving police officer.”"
"“We need to have more British AI companies that can do those kinds of things, which is why I've taken equity stakes in British AI firms and British tech firms, so that we can scale them up much, much faster.”"
"“Palantir was the only supplier the Met had seriously considered for the contract. MOPAC said the force had failed to present its procurement strategy for approval - calling it a ‘clear and serious breach’ of proced”"
Read at www.bbc.com
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