'Not now, not ever - we must protect NHS data from Palantir'

'We must protect NHS data from Palantir', writes today's York Press lead letter writer.

Anne Ward, Guildhall ward Green activist, at a protest outside York Hospital on October 1. <i>(Image: Submitted)</i>

(Image: Submitted)

We must protect NHS data from Palantir

York Green Party has backed calls to block government renewal of an NHS Palantir contract.

Controversial US tech giant Palantir secured a 2023 contract for the NHS' federated data platform up to 2031, but the existing contract has a break clause in Spring 2027.

It comes after the party joined protests on October 1 outside of York Hospital, part of a global day of action on the issue.

US-based AI tech bros should not have their hands on our city's patient data - not now, not ever.

To ensure full trust and confidence, public services should stay public.

Greens have shown where we stand. It is time for this Labour government to do so - scrap the NHS Palantir contract'.

It also comes after a motion was announced to Green Party conference, motion E04, calling for:

'Freedom of speech for NHS staff, protection of NHS patient data from Palantir and support for international NGOs delivering healthcare to Gaza.'

The motion referenced Palantir technology's alleged use by the US and Israeli military, also allegedly used by US-based 'ICE' immigration enforcement.

Anne ParkerGuildhall Ward Green activist and a registered midwife,Address suppliedRecommended reads:

Holy Trinity Church is best thing in central York

I concur with the article in The Press by Nadia Jefferson-Brown regarding the Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate, York.

I personally think it the best thing in central York, situated at the rear of Our Lady's Row, a lovely quiet oasis of peace and calm and just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Petergate and Goodramgate.

The Church is a fascinating beautiful place steeped in history, far more interesting than, dare I say, Shambles and personally I think more genuine than its big brother the Church of St Peter (York Minster).

It's a must-see place for anyone visiting York who have a genuine interest in history - that along with All Saint's, North Street, York.

York's finest medieval 15th Century church. The 15 signs before Doomsday medieval glass have to be seen to be believed.

York is steeped in genuine history, you just have to look beyond the façade of tourism.

D M DeamerPenleys Grove StreetMonkgateYork

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Leading hedgehog expert comes to York

Hedgehogs are one of Britain's best-loved wild animals, but their numbers have been declining and they face an increasing number of challenges in the wild.

On Saturday October 17, York Cemetery is delighted to welcome Toni Bunnell, one of Yorkshire's leading hedgehog experts and wildlife rehabilitators, for a talk exploring the challenges facing Britain's hedgehogs and what we can all do to help them.

Toni has run a hedgehog rescue centre in York since 1990 and has appeared on programmes including Countryfile, Love Your Garden and The One Show.

Using photographs and videos from her decades of experience, she will share stories of the hedgehogs she has rescued and rehabilitated, as well as practical advice on how we can help these much-loved animals.

Toni has also been releasing rescued hedgehogs into the wildlife-rich grounds of York Cemetery, with seven hedgehogs released here to date.

The talk takes place at 2pm at the Harriot Centre, York Cemetery, Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AJ.

Tickets are £8, payable on the door, with all proceeds supporting Toni's rescue and rehabilitation work.

Places must be reserved in advance by emailing yorkcemeteryvolunteers@gmail.com or calling the Cemetery office on 01904 610578.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Friends of York CemeteryYork Cemetery, Cemetery Road, York, YO10 5AJ