London cops post 300M tech shopping list after Palantir contract blocked

The Metropolitan Police Service published 30 tender notices covering more than £300 million of future technology requirements after London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime blocked a Palantir purchase. On May 20, Kaya Comer-Schwartz refused to approve a proposed contract worth £25.3 million in 2026-27 with an optional one-year extension worth £24.8 million in 2027-28. The Mayor’s office said the Met engaged only one potential supplier, did not present its procurement strategy for required approval, and did not adequately ensure or demonstrate value for money. The Mayor’s office also warned about risks of public buyers becoming locked into systems with rising costs. The Met disputed the decision and said modernization and best available technology are needed.

"Given the tight budgetary constraints the police and all public services are operating under, it is even more important that robust processes are followed when awarding contracts as large as £25M a year. The public would expect full and proper scrutiny of whether contracts like this provide value for money. In this case, the Met only engaged with one potential supplier, Palantir. It also did not present their procurement strategy to the Deputy Mayor for approval as required. The process followed by the MPS for the award of the contract has not adequately ensured, or demonstrated, value for money."

"MOPAC fully support the Met using the very latest technology to drive efficiencies, but the correct processes must be followed, demonstrating value for money for the London taxpayer. Otherwise, the Met risks having to make further changes to compensate for their investment not working."

"The Mayor's office also raised wider concerns about public sector buyers becoming locked into contracts or systems where costs increase but moving to another provider becomes difficult."

"The MPS disputed the decision. "The decision by MOPAC is disappointing," said a spokesperson. "We need to modernize and use the very best technology available."

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