Overview

• Acoba granted Shapps permission to become Cambridge Aerospace’s chair on the condition that he refrains from working on any defence-related matters for two years.
• Cambridge Aerospace has secured around $100 million in investor funding and promotes its Skyhammer interceptor as a defence-tech solution against drones and cruise missiles.
• Critics including Labour MP Phil Brickell and Transparency International say Acoba’s restrictions are implausible and highlight the committee’s inability to enforce conflict-of-interest rules.
• Under UK rules former ministers must seek Acoba approval for two years after leaving office, despite the committee’s inability to veto appointments.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to replace Acoba with an Ethics and Integrity Commission to impose stronger post-government employment oversight.