Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, has blasted American data giant Palantir in what critics call one of the sharpest opposition videos of the year. In just three minutes, he links Palantir to the Peter Mandelson scandal and slams Sir Keir Starmer’s government for deepening the company’s grip on UK public services.
Polanski’s Explosive Claims: From Palantir to Mandelson and Starmer
The video, rapidly spreading across X and social media, kicks off with Polanski warning, “There’s a sickness inside our country … it’s spreading.” He then methodically connects:
- Peter Thiel: Palantir co-founder and chairman, who’s questioned democracy and women’s voting rights.
- Palantir’s shadowy work: Surveillance tech sold to the Israeli military and Trump’s immigration enforcers.
- Peter Mandelson: Former UK ambassador linked to Palantir through his consultancy, with shadowy ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Starmer’s involvement: A February 2025 tour of Palantir’s HQ and approval of a mammoth £240m Ministry of Defence contract – the largest in British history.
Polanski highlights that Switzerland ditched a Palantir contract over data concerns — but the UK plunged ahead. Crucially, he attacks Palantir’s NHS role, where its software analyses millions of patient records under a £330m contract with a break clause coming up next year.
“NHS pilots called Palantir ‘clunky, demoralising, and a waste of public money’,” Polanski said. “We have to cut Palantir out of our NHS. It’s time to take the fight to Palantir.”
Why Polanski’s Video Has Rocked the Establishment
Usually ignored by the political right, Polanski’s video has found unlikely allies. Commentators from across the spectrum admit his case is tough to dismiss. Here’s why:
- Calm and clear tone: It reads like a prosecutor’s opening rather than a left-wing rant.
- Factual accuracy: The 2025 White House visit was confirmed by the Cabinet Office; Palantir has hired ex-MoD officials close to the contract award.
- Expert opposition: The British Medical Association and NHS trusts have publicly criticised the Palantir NHS contract, while government transparency is lacking.
When Greens, a centre-left think tank, and medics align, this is no fringe issue.
Palantir Strikes Back But Can’t Shake The Dirt
Palantir’s UK chief Louis Mosley hit back on X, picking apart Polanski’s claims. He corrected Thiel’s role (he’s chairman, not CEO) and denied Palantir is “spyware”. Mosley also disputed the call of the Washington visit as “private”. Fair points, but they don’t quash the wider scandal. Palantir’s products are used for surveillance by some clients, and the MoD deal is certainly one of the biggest software contracts ever. Polanski’s real win is weaving detailed procurement gnarliness into a gripping tale of political influence and mistrust. With the NHS contract break clause looming and fresh disclosures around Mandelson still emerging, this fight is just heating up. Watch this space – the Palantir saga is far from over.
