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A recent decision by the government to ban public bodies from following ethical boycotts has met with a strong response. Kevin Smith of Global Justice Now wrote the following letter in reponse which was published by the Independent on 16th February

It’s not only campaigns against illegal Israeli settlements that could be threatened by the controversial clamping down on local councils making decisions based on ethics. This attack on local democracy could also encompass those progressive councils who are shedding their controversial investments in fossil fuel companies that not only trash the climate, but are also embroiled in numerous global human rights controversies. 

Fossil fuel divestment provides local councils with the opportunity to re-invest in clean energy projects owned and run by the community, as happens across Germany. Although the Government is failing to support industries and initiatives that are needed to address the climate crisis, they mustn’t also prevent local councils from doing what’s necessary.

Read more at http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/letters/letters-bizarre-idea-to-ban-ethical-boycotts-a6875676.html

You can read up on Global Justice’s climate and energy campaigns here

Global Justice Now recently published a report on how TTIP could affect taxes and corporations if its passed by the UK government, and here’s a brief round up of some of the media coverage from all over the world on this report:

The Independent – “TTIP could block Governments from cracking down on tax avoidance, study warns”

The National – “‘Trojan Treaty’ TTIP could sink a bid to bring in sugar tax”

Deutsche Welle – “German judges slap TTIP down”

Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, wrote a piece for Indy Voices about tax justice
Check our website to read up on our trade campaigns, follow the Oxford group on Twitter or Facebook, and if you’re in the area why not come along to one of our monthly meetings and see how you can get involved? Meeting information can be found on our events page and new members are always welcome.

On 5th December we had a stand at the Oxford Green fair to spread awareness of our current campaigns. It was great to meet so many people enthusiastic about protecting food soverignty and protesting energy privatisation, and we managed to hand out all of our petitions before the event was over! If you’re interested in learning more about Global Justice why not come along to our next meeting on 12th January at 7:30 at Oxford Town Hall?

To find out more and contact your local MEP about food sovereignty you can read up on our campaign here. To learn more about energy injustice and how the COP21 talks will affect it our website has lots of information here.

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