Try GOLD - Free
Lammy May Face Legal Action Over Placements for Shell Staff
The Guardian
|August 12, 2025
David Lammy is facing possible legal action over a plan to invite staff from Shell Oil and the defence firm BAE Systems to work in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
A pre-action letter seen by the Guardian warns the foreign secretary that the scheme leaves the government open to allegations of "a conflict of interest" and the potential for "improper influence".
The scheme, which was mooted by Lammy in March, would involve FCDO staff being embedded in firms to gain commercial experience, while private sector staff would be invited to take placements in government.
The Corner House, an environmental organisation, has raised concerns about alleged issues surrounding compliance with human rights and other legal obligations.
The law firm Leigh Day has written to the FCDO warning that it may bring court proceedings on behalf of the Corner House. A legal letter warns that the scheme could be illegal and in breach of the civil service code.
This story is from the August 12, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
China deal hands over US TikTok operation
Washington and Beijing have struck a framework deal on transferring the American arm of the social media site TikTok to US-controlled ownership, potentially defusing a dispute over national security concerns surrounding the Chinese-owned company.
2 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Mandelson Sacking was prompted by content of fresh emails, Starmer says
Keir Starmer has broken his silence on sacking Peter Mandelson over the former US ambassador's close friendship with the financier Jeffrey Epstein.
2 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Crisis for PM grows as aide quits over lewd remarks about Abbott
Resignation of key ally piles pressure on Starmer as Trump flies into UK
4 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Zapad drills Belarus and Russia make a show of military ties
Over a vast rolling field, Russian and Belarusian fighter jets drew fire as tanks shattered mock wooden houses and the buzz of drones filled the air.
4 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Art review An awe-inspiring celebration of a raw, raging genius
The Acrobat sums up the effect Pablo Picasso had on art in his 91 years on Earth.
3 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Governor of New York endorses Mamdani for city mayor
Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, has endorsed Zohran Mamdani in his run for mayor of New York City, a major boost for the democratic socialist.
1 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Berthoumieu banned from Red Roses semi for arm bite
France’s Axelle Berthoumieu has been banned for biting the Ireland backrow Aoife Wafer in their Women’s Rugby World Cup quarterfinal and the flanker will miss the semifinal against England on Saturday.
1 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Adolescence triumphs at Emmys as The Studio breaks awards record
Owen Cooper became the youngest ever winner of the award for best supporting actor in a limited series at the Emmy awards for his role in Adolescence.
3 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Eden Project architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw dies aged 85
The architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who designed the Eden Project in Cornwall and the original Eurostar terminal at Waterloo in London, has died aged 85.
1 mins
September 16, 2025
The Guardian
Music stars tell Starmer: stand up to AI firms by protecting our copyright
Leading British artists including Mick Jagger, Kate Bush and Paul McCartney have urged Keir Starmer to stand up for creators' rights and protect their work ahead of a UK-US tech deal during Donald Trump's visit.
1 mins
September 16, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size