Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Police: AI Trials

Monday 8 June 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with police forces on AI trials focus on rapid and responsible adoption with 115 million investment over three years.
  • The Home Office has robust processes in place for procurement, which were followed for the Palantir contract despite concerns over transparency.
  • Facial recognition technology deployment is seen as essential, with the government investing in it through police reform and legislation for lawful, proportionate, and accountable use.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Martin Wrigley Lib Dem Newton Abbot
Policing & Resources Science & Technology
Context

Discussions are ongoing about the adequacy of competitive tendering for artificial intelligence (AI) trials by police forces.

Question

What discussions has her Department had with police forces on the adequacy of competitive tendering for trials of AI?

Answer from Sarah Jones

As with all new technology, decisions about procuring and using AI are a matter for operationally independent chief constables. The Home Office is supporting the police to adopt AI rapidly and responsibly, with £115 million of investment over the next three years. That includes investing in the national centre for AI, which will help the police make informed decisions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The adequacy of competitive tendering processes for AI trials was not specifically addressed.

How: As With All New Technology, Decisions About Procuring And Using Ai Are A Matter For Operationally Independent Chief Constables.

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Q2 Martin Wrigley Lib Dem Newton Abbot
Immigration Standards & Ethics
Context

Palantir won a £7.5 million contract for the National Firearms Licensing Management System, which is 44% of the expected price and without competitive tendering.

Question

Will the Minister pause the signing of that contract, due this Thursday, so that appropriate scrutiny can take place to ensure a transparent competitive tendering process?

Answer from Sarah Jones

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that Palantir is not buying the job. In the Home Office we have very robust processes, which were followed in full. The current licence management system is approaching the end of its life, and it is very important that we have a good one to maintain safety.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request to pause the contract signing for scrutiny was not directly addressed.

How: I Can Assure The Hon. Gentleman That Palantir Is Not Buying The Job.

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Q3 Christopher Vince Lab Co-op Harlow
Crime & Law Enforcement Science & Technology
Context

Trials of live facial recognition technology have been successful in Harlow, but concerns remain about lawful and proportionate deployment.

Question

Does the Minister agree it is essential that facial recognition technology is deployed lawfully, proportionately and with accountability when granting Government contracts?

Answer from Sarah Jones

I agree with my hon. Friend that live facial recognition is an extraordinarily innovative new technology that helps us catch really nasty criminals in my constituency and in other parts of the country, and we are investing in it through our police reform agenda. We are also legislating for it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific agreement on deploying facial recognition lawfully and proportionately was not explicitly confirmed.

How: I Agree With My Hon. Friend That Live Facial Recognition Is An Extraordinarily Innovative New Technology

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