Former British Army chief Richard Dannatt has used his peerage to facilitate business interests worth tens of thousands of pounds, breaching House of Lords rules. In 2022, Dannatt joined Teledyne's advisory board, a US defence company, and soon found himself in the midst of protests by Palestine Action activists targeting one of its facilities.
The protesters were eventually prosecuted, with police officer testifying that a senior executive had spoken to Dannatt about the case, seeking an intervention. The court heard that Dannatt wanted the investigation to be 'explained' and have input on it - a claim the peer denies.
Dannatt has also been involved in other high-profile cases, including helping Joule Africa secure funding for a £500m hydroelectric project in Sierra Leone. He introduced the company's executives to the minister for Africa, setting up meetings that ultimately led to the deal.
The former general turned politician received shares and upmarket produce as gifts from the energy firm, while also being awarded a peerage by David Cameron and appointed as constable of the Tower of London. This has given him access to influential figures in power - access he has been keen to use.
An investigation by the House of Lords watchdog found that Dannatt had breached rules four times since 2022, including his involvement with Teledyne and Blue International. The punishment: a four-month suspension from parliament for breaching the fundamental principle of not lobbying for payment.
Dannatt's actions have raised questions about the value of having a lord on the board - as seen in the lucrative deals struck by companies like Joule Africa, which he helped secure funding for. His efforts to influence government policy and access influential figures have sparked outrage among some who see his actions as self-serving.
Critics argue that Dannatt has consistently put his own interests above those of Parliament, using his position to open doors for business interests. The former general's statements to undercover reporters, which led to his current suspension, suggest a lack of understanding about the rules governing peer behavior.
As one of Britain's most senior figures, Dannatt is set to face further scrutiny over his actions and legacy as he approaches 75 years old.
The protesters were eventually prosecuted, with police officer testifying that a senior executive had spoken to Dannatt about the case, seeking an intervention. The court heard that Dannatt wanted the investigation to be 'explained' and have input on it - a claim the peer denies.
Dannatt has also been involved in other high-profile cases, including helping Joule Africa secure funding for a £500m hydroelectric project in Sierra Leone. He introduced the company's executives to the minister for Africa, setting up meetings that ultimately led to the deal.
The former general turned politician received shares and upmarket produce as gifts from the energy firm, while also being awarded a peerage by David Cameron and appointed as constable of the Tower of London. This has given him access to influential figures in power - access he has been keen to use.
An investigation by the House of Lords watchdog found that Dannatt had breached rules four times since 2022, including his involvement with Teledyne and Blue International. The punishment: a four-month suspension from parliament for breaching the fundamental principle of not lobbying for payment.
Dannatt's actions have raised questions about the value of having a lord on the board - as seen in the lucrative deals struck by companies like Joule Africa, which he helped secure funding for. His efforts to influence government policy and access influential figures have sparked outrage among some who see his actions as self-serving.
Critics argue that Dannatt has consistently put his own interests above those of Parliament, using his position to open doors for business interests. The former general's statements to undercover reporters, which led to his current suspension, suggest a lack of understanding about the rules governing peer behavior.
As one of Britain's most senior figures, Dannatt is set to face further scrutiny over his actions and legacy as he approaches 75 years old.
. Like, who needs rules when you've got a peerage and some nice connections, right? 
Richard Dannatt's story is just a reminder that with great power comes great responsibility... to follow the rules, duh! 
But seriously, it's concerning that he's been able to use his position to help out his friends' companies in exchange for gifts and shares. Not exactly what you'd call "public service"... more like a personal business venture 
. And now he's getting a slap on the wrist with a four-month suspension - yeah, that'll really teach him a lesson 
.
this dude gets all these perks & privileges just cuz he was a general 
like who needs rules when you're rich & influential 
he's basically getting paid for showing up to meetings & rubbing shoulders with politicians 
its wild how he thinks hes above the law lol especially when he tries to play dumb about it 
cant wait to see what else this guy does next 
i mean i get it, ppl need 2 pay bills but come on Dannatt should've done his research before joinin Teledyne and not speak 2 the police officer or nothin 
he's basically using his position of power to further his own interests. it's just so shady!
think its pretty messed up how rich companies can just waltz into parliament because some old general knows someone... like, what even is the point of having a lord if they're just gonna use their power to get more cash 
. feels like he's playing both sides and thats not exactly what parliament is for, you know?