Ben Keith co-authors a report "Evaluating the National Security Implications of the UAE's Stake in Vodafone", published 13 May 2024. Click here to view the report.
Ben Keith, alongside Rt Hon Sir Robert Buckland KC MP and Rhys Davies have published a report examining the national security implications of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s stake in Vodafone.
With clear evidence of the UAE’s sophisticated intelligence gathering apparatus and its history of spying, there are serious concerns about Emirati ownership of Vodafone and other businesses. Where foreign ownership comes from states which have a history of repressive activity and espionage, real caution and scrutiny is required.
The report sets out the risks and concerns surrounding the UAE’s ownership of Vodafone and calls for vigilance.
"The planned national security committee should be independent of Vodafone and include national security experts. There should also be enhanced data security and audits and also Vodafone should collaborate with human rights organisations and conduct regular assessments"
Ben Keith in the Guardian
“Despite its reputation as a global tourism hub, the UAE has a terrible rights record and has even subjected British citizens to arbitrary detention. Where foreign ownership comes from states that have a history of repressive activity and espionage, real caution and scrutiny is required.”
Rhys Davies in The Times
To read the report on the IHR website, please click here.
To read the article published by the Guardian, please click here.
To read the article published by The Times, please click here. (This article is only available via subscription service).
Ben Keith is a leading barrister specialising in cross-border and international cases. He deals with all aspects of Extradition, Human Rights, Mutual Legal Assistance, Interpol, Financial crime and International Law including sanctions. He represents governments, political and military leaders, High Net Worth individuals, human rights defenders and business leaders in the most sensitive cases.
He has extensive experience of appellate proceedings before the Administrative and Divisional Courts, Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Court of Appeal as well as applications and appeals to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and United Nations. Ben is recognised in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
