Deputy mayor questioned over blocked Palantir deal

The London deputy mayor for policing and crime blocked a £25.3m Metropolitan Police Palantir contract, arguing the decision warranted rigorous value-for-money oversight. Kaya Comer-Schwartz defended the move before the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee, noting that safeguarding public funds is essential even as the Met says the technology would modernise investigations and help root out corrupt officers. The proposal covers 2026-27 with an optional one-year extension to support investigations and internal reform, and the Met warns that delays could force frontline cuts. Decisions on headcount reductions are due within the next two weeks. The Met says Palantir’s platform is integral to its policing objectives, while Palantir contends the bid offers value for money and potential legal action may follow.