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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 9 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Ministry of Defence: Palantir

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department conducted a conflict‑of‑interest assessment prior to awarding recent defence contracts to Palantir Technologies.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) conducts continuous conflict-of-interest assessments for all individuals involved in commercial activity of any manner.

In addition, the MOD conducts comprehensive due diligence upon the notification of any business appointments that may lead to concern. MOD holds a Business Appointments Policy under JSP 492 that outlines the processes and guidelines for assessing these situations. Should an appointment create a concern the MOD can place conditions upon that individual that can include:

- Restricting the sharing of information

- Prohibition of lobbying for a set period of time

- Restrictions on advising on ongoing commercial activity

- Seeking clearance of ongoing commissions

The conditions and associated timeframes for them are set based upon the seniority of the individual involved and the nature of the appointment.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111952
Session
2024-26
Related items
Ministry of Defence: Palantir
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Ministry of Defence: Palantir
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Contracts Conflict of interests Ministry of Defence Palantir
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk