David Lammy faces possible legal action over Foreign Office secondments

Campaigners say placing staff from Shell and BAE Systems in ministries creates potential for improper influence

David Lammy is facing possible legal action over a plan to invite staff from the oil firm Shell and the defence firm BAE Systems to work inside the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

A pre-action letter seen by the Guardian warns the foreign secretary that the scheme leaves the government open to allegations of a conflict of interest and creates the potential for improper influence".

An alleged lack of transparency as to how the proposed scheme will operate.

The potential for improper influence by representatives of Shell and BAE Systems on UK government practices, including in relation to foreign policy.

The potential for conflicts of interest.