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Lord Tom Watson, former Labour Party deputy leader and cabinet minister, has taken on the role of senior vice president at the American technology company Palantir. Announcing his new position on the social media platform X, Lord Watson described Palantir as “the most interesting company on the planet, doing work of real consequence.” While acknowledging the firm’s challenges, he noted that although some criticism amounted to “propaganda,” there were “legitimate questions about large technology companies and sovereign control” that deserved attention.
The appointment has drawn criticism from political figures such as Green MP Sian Berry, who condemned it as part of the problematic “corrosive revolving door between politics and big business lobbying” that should not have a place in public life. Berry also expressed strong opposition to Palantir’s involvement in public services like the NHS, highlighting the company’s controversial work with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She accused Lord Watson of being hired specifically to lobby his former colleagues in the Labour government.
Palantir specializes in software designed to help organizations leverage their data more effectively and holds numerous contracts with UK government bodies, including the NHS, Ministry of Defence, and several police forces. Despite its government ties, the company has been a source of controversy. Some Members of Parliament have called for increased oversight of Palantir’s use of data within NHS contracts. Additionally, Palantir is engaged in a legal dispute with the Mayor of London’s office, which has blocked the Metropolitan Police from securing a deal with the firm. The Mayor’s Office cited concerns over both the value-for-money aspect of the contract and the company’s underlying values.
In response, Palantir has argued that its software contributes positively to health services by improving NHS databases related to waiting lists and hospital supplies. The firm also maintains that its work with police forces aids in combating corruption and identifying women at risk of domestic violence. Louis Mosley, Palantir’s head of UK and Europe, welcomed Lord Watson’s appointment, emphasizing his “deep understanding of how AI is changing the ways the state can help people in Britain,” where a significant portion of the company’s employees are based.
Lord Watson served as a Labour MP for over two decades and played a significant role within the party. He held ministerial office and was a key strategist behind the scenes, reportedly involved in efforts to remove Tony Blair as prime minister. His career has not been without controversy; in 2015, he faced harsh criticism for publicizing unsubstantiated allegations of sexual abuse against Conservative politician Leon Brittan. Brittan passed away before it was established that the police had dropped the investigation and found no case to answer. At that time, Lord Watson expressed sorrow for the distress caused to Brittan’s family but maintained that he felt compelled to bring the claims to light.
Following his departure from the House of Commons, Lord Watson was granted a peerage and assumed the chairmanship of UK Music. Regarding his new role at Palantir, he stated that the company is “helping Britain and its allies defend themselves, helping police protect our citizens and helping NHS staff get patients treated and home sooner.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by Palantir, noting that while some criticism was motivated by propaganda, others raised valid concerns about technology firms and sovereignty that must be addressed. Lord Watson emphasized that part of his responsibilities would involve rectifying misinformation and collaborating with Palantir’s engineers to maintain privacy, security, and respect for sovereignty at the forefront of the company’s operations
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