Watchdog Criticized for Approving Grant Shapps’ Participation in Defense Venture | Grant Shapps

The parliamentary standards body, ACoBA, has been criticized for allowing Grant Shapps, a former Conservative defense secretary, to join a defense startup called Cambridge Aerospace, on the condition that he does not engage in defense-related matters. ACoBA, which regulates the transition of politicians to the business sector, is expected to be scrapped due to allegations of being ineffective. Shapps stated that the company aims to develop technologies to reduce aviation risks, including airport delays caused by drones. However, ACoBA’s decision was questioned by experts and politicians, including Labour MP Phil Brickell, who pointed out the company’s own statements and backers reveal its focus on defense technology and preparation for warfare. ACoBA’s decision was seen as stretching credibility, and Shapps’ company, Cambridge Aerospace, received significant funding and attracted top talent in the defense industry. The company’s first product, Skyhammer, is designed to intercept drones and cruise missiles, similar to Israel’s Iron Dome system. A spokesperson for Transparency International criticized the lack of enforcement in regulating politicians’ private earnings. ACoBA defended their decision, stating the risk of conflict of interest was limited, and emphasized that Shapps was a qualified pilot with a long-term interest in aviation unrelated to his time in public office.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/18/watchdog-condemned-for-clearing-grant-shapps-to-join-defence-startup