The below motion was voted on by the BMA's Annual Representative meeting on Monday (23/06). Parts i-v and vii passed. Part vi did not pass.

Motion by SOUTH WEST REGIONAL COUNCIL: That this meeting believes that 
Palantir (inclusive of any associated companies) is an unacceptable choice of 
partner to create a Federated Data Platform for the NHS. It recognises that this 
partnership threatens to undermine public trust in NHS data systems, due to a 
lack of transparency in how the data will be stored and processed, a track 
record of creating discriminatory policing software in the US, and close links to a 
US government which shows little regard for international law. Furthermore, 
there is a lack of evidence surrounding the efficacy of the proposed systems -
for which the NHS is paying a large premium to test on Palantir’s behalf. We call 
upon the BMA to:-

i) lobby at a national level against the continued introduction of Palantir’s 
software into health data systems, and to terminate all existing contracts that 
the NHS holds with Palantir;

ii) write to all relevant parties outlining these concerns;

iii) encourage local, and regional BMA bodies to lobby their local trusts and ICBs 
to terminate existing contracts they may hold with Palantir;

iv) call on DHSC to create a full, publicly available audit detailing the progress of 
the uptake, and the efficacy of these systems throughout the NHS;

v) support members in taking actions against Palantir by creating guidance 
regarding rights to refuse to use data products supplied by companies 
associated with warfare and human rights violations, such as Palantir;

vi) create a detailed report into Palantir’s human rights violations, and their 
involvement in warfare and surveillance technologies;

vii) raise support for suitable, publicly-owned alternatives to Palantir’s FDP.

Responding, BMA representative body chair and workforce lead Dr Latifa Patel said: "The passing of this motion will allow us to continue to challenge government policies which may risk damage to patient trust and transparency. All organisations which are contracted by the NHS to handle patient data must have a demonstrable positive track record on security, privacy, transparency and ethics. In light of this and ahead of the planned rollout of a single patient record, it is therefore right that the NHS review its contract to determine whether Palantir is still an appropriate provider for a digital healthcare platform."

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.