What happened: Varun Chandra, a senior adviser to Keir Starmer, held 16 private meetings with executives from Google, Meta, Apple and others between October 2024 and October 2025. These talks covered topics like AI regulation and US politics, without public disclosure.
Why it matters:
- Raises concerns about transparency and potential lobbying behind closed doors in UK politics.
- Could influence government policy on technology and international relations, affecting UK citizens and businesses.
MNN Take: The meetings highlight the ongoing interaction between government advisers and major tech firms, emphasising the need for clear disclosure to maintain public trust.
Sources: Guardian UK