PALANTIR HIRES EX-LABOUR CHIEF AS NHS DEAL STALLS

The data analytics firm brought on Watson as part of its UK leadership expansion, according to sources familiar with the move. The hire comes as Palantir faces intense scrutiny over a major contract with the National Health Service. Watson, who served as Labour deputy leader under Jeremy Corbyn, brings political experience to Palantir's UK operations at a critical moment. The company has encountered substantial backlash from privacy advocates, healthcare professionals, and politicians regarding the scope and terms of its NHS data-sharing agreement. The contract remains unsigned and under review. Critics have raised concerns about data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and the involvement of a U.S. defense contractor in sensitive UK health infrastructure. Palantir has not publicly commented on Watson's appointment or timeline for resolving the NHS negotiations. The firm previously secured government contracts in the UK for immigration and law enforcement work.