Company Law Reform1 June 2005
The DTI published its White Paper on Company Law Reform in March this year.
This Bill aims to modernise the law so that it reflects modern business needs.
In its current state the Bill is too weak on addressing the needs of communities and the environment.
Companies currently exist to make money for shareholders. This means that profits often come before:
- The environment
- Human rights
- Employee rights
Friends of the Earth is working with the Corporate Responsibility coalition (CORE) to make sure that these concerns are noted by the Government.
Specifically we are campaigning for the following changes:
- Company Directors
Must minimise the negative impacts of their business and put things right if they go wrong. - Business
Must involve and benefit all stakeholders - not just shareholders.
Over 1000 supporters took our online action for the public consultation on the White Paper. This bombardment of emails has directly resulted in a meeting between CORE and the Government.
There will be plenty more opportunities to influence the legislation and get environmental justice into company law for the first time in history.
