Key Starmer adviser held 16 undisclosed meetings with top US tech bosses
Summary
A top business adviser to Prime Minister Keir Starmer held 16 private meetings with leaders from major U.S. tech companies between October 2024 and October 2025. These meetings focused on AI, regulatory changes, and investment plans as part of efforts to boost the UK economy through technology.Key Facts
- Varun Chandra, a business adviser close to Starmer and Rachel Reeves, met with executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Oracle, Apple, and Meta.
- The meetings were not publicly disclosed, but involved discussions on AI growth zones, investment, and government policies.
- Chandra also serves as the UK’s US trade envoy, advising on trade talks including AI investments.
- These talks occurred while the UK government aimed to attract £150 billion in investment from US tech firms.
- Some reported tech investments have been questioned as “phantom” or not entirely new projects.
- Chandra comes from a background in corporate intelligence and was appointed soon after Labour’s 2024 election win.
- Unlike civil servants or ministers, political advisers like Chandra are not required to publicly declare meetings with private companies.
- Downing Street said Chandra’s role includes helping to secure trade deals and inward investment from American businesses.
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