Social justice organisation has “serious concerns” over planned Foreign Office job swap scheme with Shell and BAE Systems

In June 2025, The Times reported that foreign secretary David Lammy had effectively invited staff from Shell and BAE Systems into Whitehall diplomatic roles to help “champion their interests overseas”. 

The newspaper added that FCDO staff could also be embedded in firms to gain commercial experience and that Britain's biggest defence firm, BAE Systems had already signed up to the proposed exchange programme.  

The FCDO has not yet announced full details of the proposed scheme, but in March 2025 the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, referenced the idea during a speech at the British Chambers of Commerce Driving International Trade Conference in central London.  

The Corner House, an organisation which advocates for environmental and human rights, has campaigned around Shell and BAE Systems, raising concerns about alleged issues surrounding compliance with human rights and other legal obligations.  

The Corner House has now instructed lawyers from Leigh Day’s human rights department to write to the FCDO warning that it may bring court proceedings.  

The pre-action letter, addressed to David Lammy highlighted:

• An alleged lack of transparency as to how the proposed scheme will operate
• The potential for improper influence by representatives of Shell and BAE Systems on UK government practices, including in relation to foreign policy
• The potential for conflicts of interest 

The Corner House has requested to be sent by Tuesday 12 August 2025 information including:

• The terms of the proposed scheme
• The names of all companies invited to participate
• Details about when the proposed scheme will come into operation and which companies will participate
• All policies, procedures and guidance relating to the scheme including the management of conflicts of interest and whistleblowing

The letter also notes that Shell and BAE Systems have both faced legal suits on issues which are or may be incompatible with the UK’s legal obligations, including on climate change and the arms trade.  

The Corner House is represented by Leigh Day partner, Tessa Gregory with solicitors Lauren Chaplin and Tom Short. 

Founder and director of The Corner House, Nicholas Hildyard said: 

"This scheme cries out for judicial scrutiny. Seconding employees from powerful corporations to the Foreign Office or other ministries (and vice versa) is a recipe for potential serious conflicts of interest.  

“Both Shell and BAE Systems have been accused of human rights violations. This alone places them on a collision course with the government's stated commitment to upholding human rights and international law.   

“Privileging corporations in government decision-making directly threatens democracy and accountability. Democracy requires all voices to be heard, not just those of the economically powerful.”   

Leigh Day solicitor, Lauren Chaplin said: 

“Our client has serious concerns about this proposed scheme. 

“Integrity and impartiality are integral to the Civil Service Code. Against that backdrop, and the UK's obligations on climate change and human rights, it cannot be right that arms and oil companies are invited into the heart of the FCDO. 

“The very limited information available could be seen as indicating the Foreign Secretary is prioritising promoting corporate interests. 

“Yet too often, these can conflict with the interests of people and planet - interests which The Corner House is committed to upholding.

“It is imperative that the Foreign Secretary explains how such conflicts of interest will be addressed and managed.”  

Kate Cook from Matrix Chambers is instructed as counsel.