Government attack on ethical procurement and divestment slammed by Greens

New government guidance aimed at restricting the ability of public bodies to boycott suppliers is a muzzle on free speech says the Green Party's new business spokesperson.

Rachel Collinson, the party’s Business, Innovation & Skills spokesperson says that the proposals will restrict the ability of public bodies to make “ethical choices”, particularly in moving away from dirty fossil fuels.
 
Collinson said:

The Tories say they are the party of freedom, choice and free markets. This announcement shows that emperor to be stark naked. If this government really believes in freedom of choice, it would not restrict publicly funded bodies from making ethical choices. They are trying to shove oil down our throats.

The Green Party believes that investment in fossil fuels not only damages the earth, it is a foolhardy financial gamble, given the volatility in oil prices. We encourage all government bodies to divest from polluting industries and arms companies as quickly as possible before this becomes law.

Green Party welcomes suspension of Shell’s arctic oil and gas exploration

The Green Party has welcomed the suspension of Shell’s Arctic oil and gas exploration saying the decision was a “reaction to low oil prices” and illustrates the importance of “renewable energy sources”

Royal Dutch Shell announced that they’ve stopped plans to extract fossil fuels from the polar region citing difficulties in finding sufficient amounts of oil and gas.

To huge cheers from delegates Natalie Bennett brought today party’s conference in Bournemouth to a close giving the delegates the news and stating that world leaders must make a commitment to keeping oil and gas reserves “in the ground”.

Natalie Bennett said:

Campaigners against dirty energy will breathe a sigh of relief today. The decision was clearly a reaction to low oil prices and reflected the growing importance of renewable energy sources.

Shell and other oil and gas companies do not have a good track record when it comes to environmental safety. As we head to the Paris climate change talks later this year, global leaders must make a commitment to ensuring that fossil fuel reserves are kept in the ground, as the science dictates. We cannot allow Shell and others to return to the Arctic.