*Highway to Controversy: French Taxi Driver Charged with Theft Amid Diplomatic Dispute*

In an unexpected turn of events, French police have charged a taxi driver with theft after a dispute involving UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his wife, Nicola Green. The incident unfolded during a 360-mile journey from Forli, Italy, to the Flaine ski resort in Haute-Savoie, France. The driver claimed he was owed €700 (£590) for a fare that was not entirely covered by an upfront payment made through a booking service, yet the Foreign Office maintains that the fare was paid in full prior to their trip.

The couple had just wrapped up a three-day state visit to Italy with the British royal family and opted for a private holiday in France. They arranged their transport via getTransfer.com, only to have a disagreement with the taxi driver over the fare. Following a heated exchange, the driver allegedly sped off with their luggage, ultimately ending up at a police station where he lodged his own complaint.

Subsequently, the Bonneville prosecutor’s office initiated an investigation into what was described as a ”commercial dispute”. Reports indicate that after the foreign secretary’s office reached out to retrieve their belongings, their luggage was returned to the police station—however, a ”considerable” sum of money was reported missing from Ms. Green’s bag, approximately equal to the amount the driver claimed he was owed.

Prosecutor Boris Duffau confirmed that the taxi driver has been formally charged with theft of both luggage and cash and is scheduled to appear in court on November 3, 2025. He has also been subjected to judicial supervision, which includes a driving ban and a bail of €2,000 (£1,690). In the prosecutor’s words, while the dispute was born from a misunderstanding, the driver’s narrative was found to lack evidence. Furthermore, the driver’s argument that Lammy, as a government minister, should have incurred a higher fare for a ”risky” journey was deemed invalid.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) clarified that no sensitive documents were involved in the trip and denied any wrongdoing regarding payment. They reiterate that both Lammy and Green are victims in this case and that the ongoing legal process restricts further commentary. This incident underscores the complexities of international travel and transportation, particularly involving public figures.