A post government ethics controversy has erupted after parliamentary watchdogs approved former defence secretary Grant Shapps to chair Cambridge Aerospace, a missile defence startup. The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) greenlit the role—provided Shapps avoids defence matters. This stipulation comes despite the company’s clear military focus.
Acoba accepted Shapps’ claim that Cambridge Aerospace works on “civilian aviation safety.” They dismissed concerns about his access to sensitive defence information. Yet, company materials reveal its “defence tech” ambitions. These include Skyhammer, a drone/missile interception system, likened to Israel’s Iron Dome.
Labour MP Phil Brickell called the decision “credulity-stretching.” He noted the firm’s $100m funding and public descriptions of preparing for “a new era of warfare.” Critics argue this post-government ethics controversy underscores Acoba’s weakness before its planned abolition.
Shapps served as defence secretary until July 2024, placing his appointment within the two-year cooling-off period. Unlike France’s veto-power system, Acoba can only advise a flaw Transparency International called “gentlemen’s agreements with no teeth.”
The company’s co-founder, an MIT professor, stated their mission is to “protect the UK and allies from aerial threats.” This directly contradicts Shapps’ civilian framing. With manufacturing hubs in Germany and Poland, the startup clearly operates in military tech.
Prime Minister Starmer has pledged to replace Acoba after years of criticism. Brickell demanded Shapps resign if he can’t explain the discrepancy, warning such cases erode trust. Shapps defended his role, citing civilian protection and job creation, while Acoba noted his pre-government aviation background.
As geopolitical tensions rise, this post-government ethics controversy highlights the urgent need for stricter post-ministerial employment rules. These rules should be implemented before conflicts become entrenched.
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