Sir Keir Starmer is under intense scrutiny after failing to declare a February 27, 2025 visit to Palantir’s Washington DC headquarters, a trip involving UK military personnel and officials, including Lord Mandelson, the then-UK ambassador to the US. Despite Palantir publicly confirming the event, Starmer did not record it in his official transparency returns, raising questions of potential ministerial code breaches.
Undeclared Visit Sparks Outrage
Palantir’s LinkedIn described the Starmer-led delegation’s visit as part of “Living the Special Relationship,” yet its omission from official records clashes with the ministerial code obligations, which require full disclosure of meetings with external entities. Such breaches can lead to serious political consequences, including calls for resignation.
Links To Lobbying Firm Cause
Concerns grow amid Palantir’s ties to Global Counsel, a lobbying company co-founded by Lord Mandelson, who held shares during his ambassadorship. The controversy deepened after Palantir secured a £750 million Ministry of Defence contract later in 2025, prompting conflict-of-interest suspicions.
Government Defends Visit
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds downplayed the omission, stating the trip was “not a formal meeting.” Downing Street labelled it a “routine visit,” adding that such tours aren’t always logged unless official government business is discussed. However, Defence Minister Luke Pollard confirmed the event was indeed a meeting, though no formal records exist.
Pressure Mounts For Appeal
Shadow Chancellor Alex Burghart criticised the government’s explanation, emphasising a defence contractor’s presentation involving British military staff should never go undeclared. Burghart has called on Scotland Yard to extend investigations into Lord Mandelson’s conduct to include the Palantir visit, seeking transparency on its exact nature and discussions.
Starmers Authority Under Threat
The unfolding scandal coincides with internal Labour Party tensions and speculation about the return of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to Westminster. Public polling by Ipsos reveals that half of respondents now believe Starmer should resign. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is reportedly set to decide if MPs can debate referring Starmer to the privileges committee over possible contempt of Parliament.
