Ex-defence secretary allowed to work for missiles start-up – as long as he avoids defence matters
Watchdog slammed for clearing ex-defence secretary’s startup move
- Sir Grant Shapps, the former defence secretary, has been cleared by parliament's standards watchdog, Acoba, to become chairman of the defence startup Cambridge Aerospace.
- Acoba approved the appointment on the condition that Sir Grant does not work on defence-related matters for the company.
- Critics, including Labour MP Phil Brickell, have questioned Acoba's decision, noting that Cambridge Aerospace has raised funds as a 'defence tech' firm and its product, Skyhammer, is compared to a missile defence system.
- Sir Grant said he joined the company to protect civilian airspace, while co-founder Professor Steven Barrett emphasised its mission to protect the UK and allies from aerial threats.
- The decision comes amidst ongoing criticism of Acoba as “toothless”, with Sir Keir Starmer vowing to replace it with a new Ethics and Integrity Commission.