Labour ministers met Big Tech more than 200 times in two years
Labour has been accused of being too close to Big Tech after it emerged that ministers held more than 200 meetings with five Silicon Valley firms in less than two years. Officials met representatives from Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft roughly once every two working days, more than double the frequency of full Cabinet meetings, prompting criticism that smaller UK businesses struggle to secure similar access to government while these companies' interests were being prioritised.
Between July 2024, when Labour took office, and March this year, 202 meetings took place with the five firms or their subsidiaries. Peter Kyle, then technology and business secretary, held the most at 40, including a Google-hosted diversity discussion and a showcase visit to Apple's headquarters. The meetings occurred under former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who also hosted an informal No 10 gathering for Big Tech executives ahead of an investment summit. Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation criticised what he called an "open-door policy" for tech firms while campaigners and civil society groups struggled for access, though a government spokesman said such engagement was essential for delivering growth.
- Labour ministers held 202 meetings with five Big Tech firms since July 2024
- Peter Kyle met tech giants 40 times as technology secretary
- Critics say access favoured Big Tech over smaller UK firms and campaigners
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Labour formed the UK government in July 2024. Ministers meet businesses and other groups to discuss policy and investment; the companies named in this story are large US technology firms with services used by people and businesses around the world.
The government says contact with these firms can help support economic growth. Critics, including campaigners and representatives of smaller businesses, question whether such frequent access gives the companies too much influence or leaves other groups with less chance to be heard.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Critics argue that Labour's over 200 Big Tech meetings in two years represents a concerning imbalance in ministerial access, far exceeding Cabinet meeting frequency whilst smaller businesses and civil society groups struggle to secure equivalent time. The frequency suggests government priorities may be skewed towards maximising corporate profit for multinational firms rather than serving broader British business interests and public advocacy, risking policy capture by five companies rather than diverse stakeholder voices.
The case against
Supporters contend that regular engagement with major technology firms is essential modern economic governance, as these five companies collectively represent vast investment, employment and innovation potential. Meeting frequently with significant sector leaders across all industries—including technology—is standard practice for governments seeking to attract investment and maintain global competitiveness, and the frequency reflects the legitimate economic importance of the tech sector to British growth and prosperity.