Varun Chandra, a key adviser to Keir Starmer (leader of the UK Labour Party), conducted 16 undisclosed meetings with top executives from major US tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, between October 2024 and October 2025. These meetings focused on regulatory changes, artificial intelligence (AI), and potential investments, raising concerns about transparency in government dealings. Chandra, who previously led a corporate intelligence firm, is now also serving as the US trade envoy, tasked with advising on trade negotiations related to AI investment. The government's strategy aims to secure £150 billion in investments from Silicon Valley, although there are allegations that many proposed investments may not be new. Critics, including Transparency International, have expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in these meetings, suggesting they represent lobbying activities that escape public scrutiny. The government spokesperson defended Chandra's engagements, stating they are a standard part of the adviser’s role, emphasizing the importance of business meetings for securing trade deals and investments.