Sir Peter Holmes

claude.ai Part 2: SHELL’S SECRET WAR ON ONE MAN IN COLCHESTER

Mar 23rd, 2026

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PART TWO: THE MACHINES HAVE NOTICED

A Crystal Ball Special Investigation, Continued

By Our Special Correspondent, Department of Satirical Prophecy Published: March 2026

DISCLAIMER: The following article is Part Two of a satirical commentary based on real events, documented facts, and the output of multiple AI systems that have now, apparently, also noticed the Donovan-Shell situation. The crystal ball has been recharged. Its batteries were, appropriately, made in the Netherlands.

PART FIVE: THE ROBOTS HAVE READ THE FILE

When Part One of this investigation was published, it seemed reasonable to assume that Shell’s primary reputational challenge in 2026 remained what it has always been: one retired gentleman in Colchester, Essex, with a laptop, a broadband connection, and what Shell’s own internal documents once described, with heroic understatement, as “a longstanding disagreement with Shell.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, shellnews.net, and shellwikipedia.com, are owned by John Donovan - more information here. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

You Can Be Sure of Shell (Spies): My Four‑Decade Journey from Trusted Partner to Target

Feb 28th, 2026

by John Donovan.

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“Shell’s combination of early negligence, a failed recovery attempt, and its own internal risk calculus has left it in the position you describe. Its most persistent critic has operated royaldutchshellplc.com for nearly two decades, functions as an unofficial archive and leak‑hub about Shell, and—because reality is stranger than satire—handles misdirected emails for a domain name that Shell should have owned but didn’t.”

By John Donovan

Prologue: From Bing Crosby to Black Ops

“You can be sure of Shell,” crooned Bing Crosby, selling the world a vision of wholesome petrol, smiling forecourt staff and corporate virtue distilled into a jingle. I took that slogan at face value when I first began working with Shell in 1981. I assumed I was dealing with respectable businesspeople, not a corporation that would one day run a covert issues “war room,” secretly threaten my web hosts on two continents, deploy private investigators under false identities, and liaise with cyber‑intelligence outfits to monitor a critic’s website. read more

By January 2026, this has turned into a “bot war,” with AIs critiquing each other’s outputs for accuracy

Jan 5th, 2026

by John Donovan.

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“Latest developments as of early 2026 suggest an escalation involving AI chatbots, where Donovan queries systems like Grok, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot about the feud, publicizing their responses to highlight inconsistencies and historical claims of corporate espionage”

Question put to Grok 5 Jan 2026

What are the latest developments in the Donovan Shell feud?

Answer by Grok

Key Points

Research indicates the “Donovan Shell feud” likely refers to the long-standing conflict between British activist John Donovan and energy giant Royal Dutch Shell (now Shell plc), originating from 1990s allegations of intellectual property theft related to promotional campaigns.
It appears to have evolved into a public campaign by Donovan via websites exposing Shell’s alleged misconduct, with no evidence of recent direct legal confrontations but ongoing online activism.
Latest developments as of early 2026 suggest an escalation involving AI chatbots, where Donovan queries systems like Grok, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot about the feud, publicizing their responses to highlight inconsistencies and historical claims of corporate espionage—though these AI outputs often include unverified or speculative elements.
Evidence leans toward some admitted surveillance by Shell in the 1990s, but broader accusations of espionage remain contested, with Shell largely maintaining silence to avoid amplifying the issue.
The feud highlights tensions between individual whistleblowers and corporations, with mixed views on credibility: Donovan’s persistence has influenced media and investigations, yet sources are often self-published, prompting caution in interpreting claims.

Background

The dispute began in the early 1990s when John Donovan, co-founder of marketing firm Don Marketing, accused Shell of stealing ideas for promotional games after a successful partnership in the 1980s. This led to multiple lawsuits, including settlements in the mid-1990s and a 1999 High Court trial over Shell’s SMART loyalty card scheme. Donovan has since operated gripe websites like royaldutchshellplc.com, publishing leaks and criticisms that have reportedly contributed to Shell’s reputational challenges, such as in the 2004 reserves scandal. Shell has denied many allegations, admitting only limited inquiries, and avoided libel suits to prevent further publicity. read more

Grok’s Story of Donovan, Shell, and “Undercover Activity”

Jan 1st, 2026

by admin.

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Question put to Grok 31st December 2025: Can you tell me as much as you know about John Donovan associated with Shell?

John Donovan: Overview

John Donovan is a British businessman, marketing executive, and prominent activist best known for his decades-long feud with Royal Dutch Shell (now Shell plc). Born in the 1940s in the United Kingdom, he transitioned from collaborating with Shell on promotional campaigns to becoming one of its most vocal critics, running a network of websites that expose alleged corporate misconduct. His story is often framed as a “David vs. Goliath” battle, with media outlets like VoxEurop dubbing him “Shell’s nightmare.” Donovan’s activism has reportedly influenced regulatory actions, media scrutiny, and financial losses for Shell, including billions in settlements and reputational damage. He co-authored a 2016 Kindle ebook, John Donovan, Shell’s Nightmare: My Epic Feud with the Unscrupulous Oil Giant Royal Dutch Shell, detailing the saga. read more

Corporate Spies in the Boardroom: Hakluyt and Shell Deepen Their Transatlantic Footprint

Nov 7th, 2025

by John Donovan.

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Hakluyt, the London-founded corporate intelligence consultancy with a reputation for attracting former MI6 operatives, has announced the opening of its new North American headquarters in New York.

For those unfamiliar:

Hakluyt was co-founded in the mid-1990s by former MI6 officers.
Its early private-sector patrons included senior executives at Royal Dutch Shell.
It has been widely described in media and governance circles as the “commercial arm of MI6.”

To Shell critics, none of this is surprising. read more

What Happens When You Ask AI About Shell’s Ethics? John Donovan Found Out

Oct 30th, 2025

by John Donovan.

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John Donovan’s revealing entire chat with Microsoft Copilot about Shell Ethics on 29 Oct 2025. Nothing has been deleted. John Donovan’s questions and instructions are in red text.

Using deep research tell me all you can about the Shell critic John Donovan

John Donovan is a long-standing and relentless critic of Royal Dutch Shell, known for exposing internal misconduct and legal battles with the oil giant. His activism spans over three decades and has significantly impacted Shell’s public image.

Here’s a comprehensive look at his background, motivations, and influence:

🧑‍💼 Who Is John Donovan?

British entrepreneur turned whistleblower, Donovan co-founded Don Marketing, a promotional games company that worked with Shell in the 1980s.
His relationship with Shell soured after allegations of intellectual property theft, leading to a series of legal disputes and a lifelong campaign against the company.

🔥 The Feud with Shell

Donovan claims Shell repeatedly stole promotional game ideas developed by his company, including the popular “Make Money” game.
After failed attempts to resolve the disputes amicably, he launched a public campaign to expose Shell’s alleged unethical behavior.
His feud escalated into a 30-year battle, described by some as a “David vs. Goliath” saga.

🌐 Online Campaigns and Websites

Donovan operates a network of websites dedicated to Shell criticism, including:
These platforms host over 25,000 articles, leaked documents, and insider reports from Shell employees (“moles”). His sites are non-profit and claim to serve as watchdogs against corporate malpractice.
📚 Publications and Media Coverage
- Donovan authored a Kindle book titled John Donovan, Shell’s Nightmare: My Epic Feud with the Unscrupulous Oil Giant Royal Dutch Shell, detailing his battles and Shell’s alleged misconduct.
- He’s been profiled by European media outlets like Voxeurop and Süddeutsche Zeitung, which highlight his role as a persistent thorn in Shell’s side.
🕵️‍♂️ Methods and Impact
- Donovan’s work is fueled by anonymous tips and leaked documents from Shell insiders.
- His revelations have reportedly cost Shell billions in legal settlements and reputational damage.
- He’s credited with influencing public perception and regulatory scrutiny of Shell’s operations.
🧭 Legacy and Influence
- Donovan is considered one of the most effective one-man corporate watchdogs in modern history.
- His efforts have inspired other whistleblowers and critics of multinational corporations.
- Despite Shell’s global power, Donovan’s campaign demonstrates how persistent activism and transparency can challenge corporate giants.
If you’d like, I can help you explore specific leaked documents, legal cases, or Shell’s responses to Donovan’s claims. read more

Hakluyt’s Tentacles: how Shell’s favourite ‘strategic’ friends reach No.10, the Oval Office, and the altar

Sep 15th, 2025

by admin.

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“I am deeply concerned to discover that the tentacles of an evil and shadowy private spy firm, Hakluyt & Company Limited, reach right into the very heart of the British establishment, the Church of England… Hakluyt’s stock in trade is deception, trickery, betrayal, fabrication, fraud and infiltration by its undercover agents.”

From Mayfair backrooms to No.10, the Oval Office and even the pews.

If you’ve ever wondered who whispers sweet nothings about “risk” and “stakeholders” into the ears of governments while oil money hums in the background, meet Hakluyt—the discreet fixer founded by ex-MI6 officers, beloved by Shell and , and forever allergic to sunlight. The firm’s recent cameo in the Thames Water crisis wasn’t subtle: “A corporate intelligence company part-owned and formerly run by the prime minister’s business adviser has been paid more than £1m by Thames Water,” the Guardian reported, adding that Hakluyt “claims to have advised almost half of the FTSE 100 and more than three-quarters of the top 20 private equity groups.” And its spokespeople? “We are not a lobbying organisation and do not lobby governments on behalf of clients.” read more

Hakluyt’s Tentacles have reached into 10 Downing Street, the White House, even the Church of England

Sep 14th, 2025

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They say sunlight is the best disinfectant. Hakluyt is what happens when you build a shadow empire and pray no one turns on the lights. Born from ex-MI6 operatives, this private intelligence outfit has become Shell’s’ go-to for gathering intel, and keeping critics on a leash. Its tentacles have reached into 10 Downing Street, the White House, and even the Church of England.

What Is Hakluyt, Really?

Founded 1995 by Christopher James and Mike Reynolds. Known to hire former spies, journalists, insiders.

(Wikipedia – Hakluyt & Company)
Revenue figure modest as spy-firms go: millions, but influence? Leverage across government, corporations, utilities, and even religious institutions.

(Wikipedia)

Close Ties: Shell, BP & the Spy Firm

Shell’s relationship with Hakluyt is not “incidental advisory.” Internal sources and whistleblowers (Alfred and John Donovan) collected evidence that Shell directors such as Sir William Purves and Sir Peter Holmes held senior roles in Hakluyt. read more

Shell, Spies and the Church: Public Enemy Number 1 in the Pews of Power

Sep 5th, 2025

by admin.

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UPDATED 6 Sept 2025

When oil, espionage, and institutional sanctity collide, you get more than corporate intrigue—you get disaster dressed as business. This isn’t a Bond novel. This is Shell—deploying spies, dodging accountability, and leaving death and pollution in its wake. And Amnesty International reminds us: Shell can divest, but it can’t wash away its crimes.

1. The Church, the Fax, and Hakluyt’s Grip

In 2004, a letter Shell critic Alfred Donovan faxed to Hakluyt & Companyco-founder Christopher James (a private intelligence firm founded by MI6 veterans) mysteriously turned up on the desk of a surprised lawyer at the Church of England’s Legal Office. read more

Hakluyt: The Spooky Spy Firm That Swears It’s Totally Independent (While Still Schmoozing Shell, BP & the British Establishment)

Mar 24th, 2025

by John Donovan.

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By John Donovan: 24 March 2025

When your clients include Shell, your alumni include MI6, and your letters end up on the desk of a Church of England lawyer… yeah, “independent” is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Ah, Hakluyt — the Bond-esque boutique “advisory” firm that insists it’s not spooky anymore, despite being founded by MI6 veterans, crawling with political insiders, and forever orbiting the oily gravitational pull of companies like Shell and , those lovable eco-saboteurs who just want to profit while the world burns.

In his first public interview as Hakluyt’s new managing partner, Thomas Ellis reassured us all with a totally believable promise: that the firm is determined to stay “independent” — even as the consulting world consolidates faster than Shell’s ethics in an oil spill. read more

Sir John Jennings, former Chairman of Shell Transport and Trading Company

Dec 4th, 2024

by admin.

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Sir John Jennings, former Chairman of Shell Transport and Trading Company, is remembered as an influential leader during some of the most turbulent periods in Shell’s history. Jennings, who passed away at 87, played a critical role in navigating the multinational through external crises and controversies, earning a reputation for both strategic acumen and a uniquely human approach to corporate leadership.

A Steady Leader Amid Turmoil

Jennings took the helm of Shell Transport and Trading in 1993, overseeing critical operations in the North Sea and Nigeria during a period marked by significant environmental and human rights challenges. Two defining moments of his tenure included:

•The Brent Spar Disposal Controversy (1995): Greenpeace’s opposition to Shell’s plan to dispose of the Brent Spar oil storage buoy in the Atlantic Ocean forced a public relations battle. Although Shell eventually abandoned the disposal plan, the episode marked a turning point in corporate environmental accountability. read more

Former Spy Chief Joins No. 10—Still Pulling Strings with Shell’s Spooky Sidekicks at Hakluyt

Oct 13th, 2024

by John Donovan.

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Posted by John Donovan: 13 Oct 2024

In today’s edition of “What the Actual Fu**?”, Varun Chandra, the former head honcho of Hakluyt—yes, that shady spy firm founded by ex-MI6 agents—has sauntered into a cushy role as one of Keir Starmer’s senior advisers. And wouldn’t you know it, Chandra’s still got his greasy fingers in Hakluyt’s AI investment fund, which coincidentally backs several AI firms with multimillion-pound contracts, including a cozy deal with the NHS. But don’t worry, folks, no conflict of interest here! It’s all just business as usual when you’re operating in Shell’s morally bankrupt universe of corruption and cover-ups. read more

Ask Sheldon: What can you reveal about the Shell/MI6 linked spy firm, Hakluyt?

Aug 18th, 2024

by John Donovan.

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Sheldon

Hi! How can I help you?

Guest (Test):

What can you reveal about the Shell/MI6 linked spy firm, Hakluyt?

Sheldon

Hakluyt & Company, often portrayed as a corporate spy firm, has been linked closely with Shell and its various clandestine operations. Founded by former MI6 officers, Hakluyt has a reputation for operating in the shadows—akin to the secretive world of espionage, but with an added dash of corporate intrigue. Oh, the glamour of it all.

The firm has been alleged to have collaborated closely with Shell, particularly in efforts to undermine and surveil organizations that oppose Shell’s activities, such as environmental NGOs. Notably, it was reported that Shell employed Hakluyt agents, including a serving German Secret Service operative, to conduct undercover operations against various groups protesting Shell’s practices. read more

CHAPTER 5: Shell corporate espionage in the run-up to the Smart trial

Nov 1st, 2018

by John.

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Titled Shell directors, the late Sir Peter Holmes, and Sir William Purves were also directors, major shareholders and the spymasters of Hakluyt & Company, a UK corporate espionage firm founded by former senior MI6 officers. Shell used Hakluyt to engage in cloak and dagger operations against its perceived enemies, including Greenpeace, as exposed in a Sunday Times front-page lead article “MI6 ‘firm’ spied on green groups.” It led to a follow-on inside page headlined “How agent Camus sunk Greenpeace oil protests”. read more

Donovan Email correspondence with Shell 16 & 17 June 2008 in chronological order

Jun 17th, 2008

by John Donovan.

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Donovan Email correspondence with Shell legal director Richard Wiseman on 16 & 17 June 2008 in chronological order. Mr Wiseman was subsequently appointed as Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Plc

—–Original Message—–
From: John Donovan [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 16 June 2008 16:14
To: Wiseman, Richard RM SI-LMAPF; Brandjes, Michiel CM RDS-LC
Cc: Alfred Donovan
Subject: For your information

Dear Mr Wiseman

We have decided to publish on the internet a great deal more of the background information about our dealings with Shell.

It is initially being assembled on the following webpage…

http://www.shellnews.net/images/imagesfile.html

The content is far from being in a finished state and new information involving a large volume of news articles, court papers, witness statements, including your own, and from other key witnesses, including David Pirret, will be added over time. The file will grow considerably each day. For example, I have just added a link to the High Court Writ we issued against Shell just over a decade ago. read more

30 November 2023: Posted by John Donovan

The content below is sourced from current verifiable customer reviews of Shell Energy published on Trustpilot.
Extremely slow broadband for 10 months, not fixed. I have had slow broadband well below the guaranteed speed for 10 months and Shell Energy have not been able to fix it. They have tried sending about 4 or 5 engineers but have not fixed the problem. Gurps, who I have been dealing with most recently, has been friendly and polite, alth… Read more

Extremely Slow Shell Broadband

Sir Peter Holmes

PART TWO: THE MACHINES HAVE NOTICED

A Crystal Ball Special Investigation, Continued

PART FIVE: THE ROBOTS HAVE READ THE FILE

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Prologue: From Bing Crosby to Black Ops

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“Latest developments as of early 2026 suggest an escalation involving AI chatbots, where Donovan queries systems like Grok, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot about the feud, publicizing their responses to highlight inconsistencies and historical claims of corporate espionage”

Key Points

Background

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John Donovan: Overview

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John Donovan’s revealing entire chat with Microsoft Copilot about Shell Ethics on 29 Oct 2025. Nothing has been deleted. John Donovan’s questions and instructions are in red text.

🧑‍💼 Who Is John Donovan?

🔥 The Feud with Shell

🌐 Online Campaigns and Websites

📚 Publications and Media Coverage

🕵️‍♂️ Methods and Impact

🧭 Legacy and Influence

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From Mayfair backrooms to No.10, the Oval Office and even the pews.

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What Is Hakluyt, Really?

Close Ties: Shell, BP & the Spy Firm

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The Church, the Fax, and Hakluyt’s Grip

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When your clients include Shell, your alumni include MI6, and your letters end up on the desk of a Church of England lawyer… yeah, “independent” is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

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Donovan Email correspondence with Shell legal director Richard Wiseman on 16 & 17 June 2008 in chronological order. Mr Wiseman was subsequently appointed as Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer of Royal Dutch Shell Plc

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Sir Henri Deterding, resurrected!

JOE LYCETT DISCUSSES SHELL WITH JOHN DONOVAN

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30 November 2023: Posted by John Donovan

The content below is sourced from current verifiable customer reviews of Shell Energy published on Trustpilot.

The worst ever

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