stephen writes to business secretary about jcb

Stephen has asked the Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, whether the government will consider bringing forward legislation where it is determined that UK firms have failed to take adequate steps to avoid human rights abuses.

The letter followed a determination by the UK National Contact Point (UKNCP). It founds that JCB was in violation of human rights standards set out in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises after its equipment was used in Israel’s demolitions of Palestinian homes and settlement construction in the Palestinian territories.

Ministers previously committed to uphold OECD Guidelines, which set out standards for UK companies, and have supported the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Despite this, no action has been taken against JCB.

You can read Stephen’s letter here. The Secretary of State’s reply will be published when it is received.