Grant Shapps is a seasoned British politician who held multiple key roles in the UK government from 2010 to 2024.
As Secretary of State for Defence (August 2023 – July 2024), Shapps was pivotal in shaping the UK’s global security response. President Zelenskyy highlighted his strategic role in addressing the Ukraine conflict. Shapps was in office during the 7th October Hamas attack on Israel, navigating the complexities of the Middle East and addressing threats from Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China.
In January 2024, Shapps delivered a landmark speech at Lancaster House, asserting the world has shifted from a post-war to a pre-war era. He successfully raised UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP in April, a £75bn boost, inspiring Sir Keir Starmer to call for all NATO countries to follow suit.
As the longest-serving Housing Minister in 25 years, Grant Shapps is a recognized expert in housing, development, and planning, co-authoring the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
As Transport Secretary, Shapps pushed for major infrastructure advancements, focusing on sustainability and innovation across road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors. A qualified pilot, he chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Aviation, making it the largest all-party group in parliament.
As Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Grant Shapps designed a scheme to mitigate the impact of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, covering up to half of energy bills for British households and businesses. He championed technological innovation, becoming the first British Minister in four decades to invest in new nuclear power generation. Notably, he led the UK’s negotiations at COP28 in Dubai, driving global climate commitments and sustainability initiatives.
Grant Shapps is known for his media savvy, mastering complex topics – a must given the number of Cabinet posts he’s held, including Home Secretary for a week – and is renowned for communicating clearly, even under pressure.
Engaging, knowledgeable, and driven by a passion for progress, Shapps blends political acumen with visionary foresight, making him a sought-after speaker. His talks inspire audiences to think critically about the future of policy, technology, and global security.
