David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary, and his wife, Nicola Green, found themselves in a predicament while on a private holiday in France. A taxi driver allegedly stole their luggage and cash following a dispute over the fare for their journey from Forli, Italy, to the French ski resort of Flaine in Haute-Savoie. The driver claimed he was owed 700 euros (£590) for a portion of the journey that was not covered by an upfront payment to a booking service. However, the Foreign Office asserted that the fare had been settled in full before they embarked on their trip.
Following the altercation, the taxi driver drove off with the couple’s belongings and made a complaint at a police station. An investigation into the incident was initiated by the Bonneville prosecutor’s office in Haute-Savoie, categorizing it as a “commercial dispute.” Despite efforts from a member of the foreign secretary’s office to retrieve the luggage, a significant sum of money was reportedly missing from Ms. Green’s bag when it was returned, prompting her to file a statement with the authorities. Bonneville prosecutor Boris Duffau confirmed that the taxi driver is now facing charges of theft.
It was revealed that the couple had opted for a private holiday in France following a state visit to Italy with King Charles and Queen Camilla. They had independently arranged their transportation through the booking company getTransfer.com, bearing the expenses themselves. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) emphasized that there were no confidential documents or laptops in the vehicle, and that Lammy had been travelling using his personal passport rather than a diplomatic one. The FCDO vehemently refuted the taxi driver’s narrative, maintaining that the fare had been fully paid. As legal proceedings unfold, the FCDO refrained from offering further comments on the matter.
The incident involving the UK Foreign Secretary and his wife, Nicola Green, served as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of relying on hired transportation while on holiday. Despite the attempted resolution of the dispute, the situation escalated to legal action, with the taxi driver accused of theft. The case underscored the importance of clear communication and transparency in all interactions, particularly when it comes to financial transactions and personal belongings. As the investigation unfolded, the details of the incident fueled public interest, shedding light on the challenges that can arise when navigating unfamiliar territories and engaging with unfamiliar service providers
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