Lammy May Face Legal Action Over Placements for Shell Staff

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.

- Rajeev Syal

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.