David Lammy’s chauffeur charged with theft over ski trip dispute

French driver accused of stealing cash and luggage from UK foreign secretary after cross-border journey.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks to the media at the NEST Congress Center in Belek, Antalya, Türkiye, on May 15, 2025. Photo by Muhammed Abdullah Kurtar/Anadolu

By Clarisa Sendy and Anna Fadiah

A French chauffeur who drove British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his wife from Italy to a ski resort in the French Alps has been charged with theft after allegedly taking cash and luggage from the couple. The case, which centers around a disputed fare, will go to trial later this year and has stirred diplomatic and legal attention across both countries.

The incident occurred on April 11, during a 600-kilometre journey from Forlì in northern Italy to Flaine, a well-known ski destination in the Haute-Savoie region of France. The trip came shortly after Lammy had accompanied King Charles III on a state visit to Italy, with the foreign secretary and his wife Nicola Green reportedly heading off on a private skiing holiday.

Complaints filed on both sides

Both the chauffeur and Lammy filed formal complaints after the journey. Regional prosecutor Boris Duffau confirmed that the judicial authorities had chosen to proceed with Lammy's complaint, and the driver now faces a criminal trial scheduled for November 3 in Bonneville, southeastern France.

The driver, based in Avignon, is accused of “theft of cash and personal belongings.” According to the prosecutor, the dispute between the parties intensified during the journey and eventually turned hostile. The driver was released under judicial supervision, ordered not to drive, and placed on €2,000 bail pending trial.

Duffau stated that a key point in the prosecution’s case is that the chauffeur left the scene while Lammy and his wife were still retrieving their luggage from the vehicle. The driver reportedly took the bags with him and only returned them the following day—dropping them off at a local municipal police station.

“This is considered theft due to the time elapsed between the passengers exiting the vehicle and the return of their property,” the prosecutor said. He also noted that the driver admitted to taking money from the luggage, claiming it was payment for an unpaid fare.

Driver’s claims and counter-allegations

In an interview with the regional French newspaper La Provence, the chauffeur claimed he was never compensated for the journey, which he valued at €1,550. He also alleged that the British foreign secretary and his wife had assaulted him during the ride and accused them of violence. Additionally, the driver suggested that the trip had been arranged through the British Embassy in France and maintained that he had done nothing wrong.

Lammy’s office categorically denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office in London told AFP: “We totally refute these allegations. The fare was paid in full. The foreign secretary and his wife are named as victims in this matter and the driver has been charged with theft. As there is an ongoing legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Reports of intimidation and a weapon

British media reports, including The Times, offered further details about the incident. According to the accounts, Nicola Green told police that she felt intimidated by the driver, who allegedly showed her a knife kept in his glovebox. The reports suggest that the driver became aggressive after demanding a fare higher than what had been originally agreed upon. While the ride was arranged by the Foreign Office, the Lammys reportedly paid the fare themselves.

The tension escalated as the journey progressed. The dispute over money, combined with the alleged threatening behavior, culminated in what authorities now describe as a theft. Prosecutor Duffau confirmed that the driver’s decision to retain the luggage overnight, coupled with taking money from it, forms the crux of the theft charge.

Diplomatic and political implications

The incident is especially sensitive given Lammy’s high-profile role in British politics. A long-time member of Parliament representing Tottenham in north London, he became foreign secretary following the Labour Party’s election victory in July 2024. This incident marks an unusual and personal legal entanglement for a sitting British cabinet member, potentially impacting diplomatic perceptions.

While there is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Lammy or his wife, the nature of the allegations and the publicity around the case underscore the challenges faced by political figures even in personal matters. The Foreign Office has declined to make further public statements, citing the ongoing judicial process in France.

Legal process and expected proceedings

As the case heads toward trial, French legal observers expect it to hinge on several key points: whether the fare was truly unpaid, whether the driver’s actions constitute theft under French law, and the credibility of the allegations made by both parties. Prosecutors are likely to focus on the driver’s admission that he took cash from the luggage and delayed the return of the personal items.

The driver, who offers services to VIP clients, continues to maintain his innocence and has suggested that he, rather than Lammy, was the victim in this matter. Whether the court accepts his version of events will be determined at the hearing in Bonneville on November 3.

Public and media reaction

The case has generated significant media attention in the UK and France, not only due to Lammy’s political stature but also because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the allegations. Accusations of theft, assault, and intimidation during what was meant to be a straightforward private trip have captured public interest, especially as the story involves cross-border legal jurisdiction and diplomatic figures.

While the trial will likely reveal more details, it has already highlighted the complexities faced by government officials in their personal lives, particularly when traveling abroad. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of chauffeurs and the potential consequences when disputes spiral out of control.