8. Party Policies On The Companies’ Bill

Labour – The Government’s position on the Bill was that it already made it clear that directors must consider the impact of their company on employees and the environment. They are keen to avoid being seen as ‘anti-business’ so Gordon Brown announced at the end of 2005 that he would weaken requirements on companies to report on social and environmental impacts.

Conservatives – New leader David Cameron has said that the Conservatives will not be a mouthpiece for big business and that companies should behave ethically. However, their announcements on the Bill have not backed this up. Instead, they have talked about the threat of increased ‘red tape’ or bureaucracy to business and suggested that business should not be regulated.

Liberal Democrats – They have put a big emphasis on making business transparent and accountable. They pushed for stronger requirements for companies to produce reports covering their social and environmental impacts, as well as financial performance. Unfortunately, they have weakened their policy on companies’ obligations to communities and the environment recently.

Don’t be put off by these official policy lines. Many MPs hold a different view to the party line and can be persuaded by constituents like you.

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