Quakers in Britain are supporting a judicial review being brought today (14 June 2017)) before the UK courts against the government's controversial new guidance banning local councils from making ethical choices in their pensions investments.
A witness statement submitted to the court, made by Paul Parker, the Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (the formal body of Quakers) says, “As Quakers we believe the choices we make about our money are underpinned by our values, and can make a practical difference to the type of world we live in. We believe strongly in the power of legitimate, nonviolent, democratic tools such as divestment from unethical trades to realise positive change in our world."
As a matter of conscience, Britain Yearly Meeting supports Quakers across Britain to make their own informed decisions about where to invest their money.
Quakers are deeply concerned about:
- the unprecedented power this new guidance gives ministers to veto the long-standing ability – and legal obligation - of local councils to make ethical investment decisions that reflect the values and opinions of local communities.
- the impact of the government's proposed guidance on UK compliance with – and efforts to uphold – international law, particularly with regard to human rights.
* Quakers are known formally as the Religious Society of Friends. Around 23,000 people attend 478 Quaker meetings in Britain. Their commitment to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenges them to seek positive social and legislative change.
*Quakers in Britain http://www.quaker.org.uk/
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