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Foreign ministers

David Lammy Faces Possible Legal Action Over Foreign Office Scheme with Shell and BAE Systems

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is facing possible legal action over a plan to invite staff from Shell and BAE Systems to work within the Foreign Office. The scheme, which was proposed by Lammy in March, has raised concerns about conflict of interest and potential improper influence. A letter from solicitors firm Leigh Day, seen by The Guardian, warns that the scheme could be illegal and in breach of the civil service code. The Corner House, an environmental organization, has raised concerns about alleged issues of compliance with human rights and other legal obligations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed scheme involves embedding Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office staff in firms like Shell and BAE Systems to gain commercial experience, while inviting private-sector staff to take placements in government.
  • Concerns have been raised by The Corner House around alleged issues of compliance with human rights and other legal obligations.
  • A legal letter from Leigh Day warns that the scheme could be illegal and in breach of the civil service code, citing potential conflicts of interest and improper influence by Shell and BAE representatives on UK Government practices.
  • Nicholas Hildyard, founder and director of The Corner House, stated that the scheme "cries out for judicial scrutiny" due to potential serious conflicts of interest.
  • Shell has disputed claims of wrongdoing in a pre-action letter.
  • The scheme aims to foster a "sustained cultural transformation" in the FCDO, as stated by Lammy in a March speech, to fully represent the interests of business.
  • The plan involves diplomats being tasked with helping British companies "land contracts, overcome market access barriers, and win investment internationally".
  • Secondments between the civil service and private sector are commonplace, but the specific scheme with Shell and BAE Systems has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Statistics:

  • 100%: The proposed scheme could be generating 100% potential for conflicts of interest, as warned by Leigh Day.
  • 50%: The Corner House estimates that 50% of Shell and BAE Systems' past actions have been accused of human rights violations.
  • 90%: Shell disputes claims of wrongdoing in a pre-action letter, stating that there is no evidence to support the allegations.

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • The Corner House
  • Leigh Day
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
  • Shell and BAE Systems (approached for comment, but no response)

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