Boris Johnson’s company faces controversy over uranium ties

Boris's company faces controversy over uranium ties
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London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – UK’s ex-PM Boris Johnson’s new firm faces scrutiny over a controversial discussion with a uranium lobbyist.

The ex-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom came under major scrutiny after information emerged that he failed to reveal the fact that he met with a uranium lobbyist while he was in office. According to The Observer, what makes the discussion controversial is the fact that it took place right before the British premier entered into a new business with a controversial Iranian-Canadian uranium entrepreneur.

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Johnson’s latest company, Better Earth Limited, also came under scrutiny after it operated Charlotte Owen, a junior aide with just a few years of work knowledge, whom he elevated to the House of Lords last year at the age of 29. Transparency campaigners also stated that there seem to be “serious public interest questions to be answered” over the nature and timeline of Johnson’s connection with his co-director, Amir Adnani.

Adnani is the architect, president and CEO of Uranium Energy Corp, which is a US-based mining and exploration business, supported by former US President Donald Trump’s advisor, Steve Bannon.

Amir Adnani is the head of a network of offshore companies based in the British Virgin Islands. The Canadian citizen included Better Earth in his business empire last year. On May 1, Companies House filings showed that “The Rt Hon Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson” was added as a director and co-chairman of the entity.

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In the summer of this year, Owen entered the company to work alongside Johnson as Better Earth’s vice president, The Observer said. In April 2024, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), which leads ex-ministerial appointments, explicitly cautioned Johnson about the “broad overlap” between his position in the office and his company, along with the “unknown risks” it entails because of the lack of transparency over the firm’s clients.

Massimiliano  Verde

Massimiliano Verde is a journalist at Parliament News, He is covering Society and Culture News. Boasting a Master's Degree in Political Science, stands as a prominent figure in the Italian cultural landscape. His presidency of the Neapolitan Academy, a scientifically and sociolinguistically renowned group, attests to his relentless dedication to safeguarding and promoting Neapolitan language and culture. His activism and profound expertise have propelled him into the role of interlocutor for UNESCO as part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032), a prestigious acknowledgment highlighting the significance of his efforts in preserving the linguistic and cultural diversity of our planet.

Verde's fervent passion for the history and culture of Southern Italy has driven him to immerse himself in research, resulting in numerous essays and articles that delve into the peculiarities and beauties of the region. His commitment extends beyond academia, manifesting in ongoing dissemination activities aimed at acquainting the general public with the rich cultural heritage of the South. His endeavors transcend national boundaries, as evidenced by his participation in international conferences and collaboration with various foreign institutions, rendering him an ambassador of Southern culture on the global stage and fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.