David Lammy MP

Book David Lammy MP for Your Event

David Lammy MP is one of Britain's most experienced political figures, having served as Foreign Secretary, Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. With a political career spanning more than two decades, he has been closely involved in some of the most consequential domestic and international challenges facing the United Kingdom.

In 2025, David Lammy became the first person of colour to serve as the UK's Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. His appointment followed his tenure as Foreign Secretary, during which he helped shape Britain's diplomatic response to major international crises and changing geopolitical relationships.

As a speaker, David Lammy draws on his experience at the heart of British government to explore global politics, diplomacy, leadership and the responsibilities of public office. His presentations offer audiences an understanding of how decisions are made when political, economic and security interests collide.

Global Diplomacy and Geopolitical Leadership

During his time as UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy travelled to more than fifty countries, representing Britain through a period of heightened international uncertainty. His diplomatic responsibilities included responding to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza, escalating tensions across the Middle East, confrontation with Iran and strategic competition with China.

He coordinated critical British support for Ukraine, contributing to the landmark 100 Year Partnership between the two countries. He also pioneered efforts to reset the UK's relationship with the European Union, seeking renewed cooperation following Brexit.

Working alongside France and Germany, Lammy helped trigger the United Nations snapback mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. His established relationships across the Atlantic also played an important role in his approach to international diplomacy and cooperation.

These experiences provide the foundation for his speaking engagements on international relations, crisis management and the challenges of maintaining diplomatic partnerships in an increasingly fragmented world.

China, AI and the Future of International Relations

A central initiative during David Lammy's tenure as Foreign Secretary was the UK's landmark China Audit, a cross-government reassessment of Britain's relationship with Beijing. The review examined security, trade, technology and human rights, reflecting the complexity of relations between major global powers.

Presenting its findings to Parliament, Lammy outlined his doctrine of progressive realism, advocating cooperation where national interests align, challenges where they diverge and competition where necessary.

He became only the second British Foreign Secretary in six years to visit Beijing, holding extensive discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Lammy also placed emerging technologies at the centre of his foreign policy agenda. At the United Nations Security Council, he addressed the role of artificial intelligence in international security, emphasising the importance of ensuring that AI strengthens peace, stability and democratic institutions.

For organisations navigating geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and international business relationships, David Lammy offers perspectives on the intersection of technology, diplomacy and global power.

Justice, Equality and Leadership in Government

Following his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister in 2025, David Lammy combined responsibilities at the centre of British government with leadership of the justice system as Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice.

His legal training and longstanding commitment to fairness informed his approach to criminal justice reform. One of his most recognised contributions is the Lammy Review, an independent examination of racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

As Deputy Prime Minister, he worked to address the significant pressures facing Britain's justice system, focusing on victims, accountability, institutional effectiveness and restoring public confidence. In July 2026, he also helped bring the long-campaigned-for Hillsborough Law to Parliament.

His experience across foreign affairs, domestic policy and justice provides a distinctive perspective on leadership in complex institutions. David Lammy explores the difficult decisions involved in managing competing priorities, delivering reform and maintaining public trust.

From Harvard Law to British Politics

David Lammy's career began in law. He studied at SOAS, University of London, before becoming the first Black Briton to study at Harvard Law School, where he completed an LLM in 1997. He was called to the Bar in the mid-1990s and has consistently drawn on his legal background throughout his political career.

In 2000, at the age of 27, he became the Member of Parliament for Tottenham. Between 2002 and 2010, he served in ministerial positions under Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, with responsibilities covering health, constitutional affairs, culture, higher education and intellectual property.

Following Labour's defeat in the 2010 general election, Lammy spent a decade on the backbenches, becoming a prominent parliamentary voice on racial equality, social justice and institutional reform.

He subsequently returned to the shadow cabinet, serving as Shadow Justice Secretary and later Shadow Foreign Secretary under Keir Starmer, before taking on senior government responsibilities.

His journey from the legal profession to the highest levels of British politics offers audiences insights into public service, political leadership and the challenges of achieving change within established institutions.

Author, Broadcaster and Keynote Speaker

Beyond his political career, David Lammy is an accomplished author and broadcaster whose work examines social cohesion, identity, justice and the forces shaping contemporary society.

He has published two books: Out of the Ashes: Britain After the Riots (2011), which explores the social and political issues surrounding the 2011 riots in England, and Tribes: How Our Need to Belong Can Make or Break the Good Society (2020), which examines belonging, identity and division in modern society.

He has also presented his own current affairs programme on LBC radio, bringing political debate and analysis to a wider audience.

When you book David Lammy MP for your event, audiences gain access to firsthand experiences of international negotiations, government leadership and political decision-making. His speaking topics include:

• Geopolitics, global security and the future of international diplomacy
• Leadership and decision-making during periods of crisis
• UK foreign policy and relationships with Europe, China and the United States
• Artificial intelligence, democracy and international security
• Justice reform, racial equality and institutional accountability
• Social cohesion, identity and the future of democratic societies

Drawing on his experience as a barrister, parliamentarian, author and senior government minister, David Lammy brings an informed and engaging perspective to conferences, leadership summits and international events.

His presentations connect the realities of political power with the broader challenges facing businesses, governments and communities, helping audiences better understand the decisions and developments shaping the world around them.