Alan Howard, the artist who created the mural, talked about its history and what it represents. He was joined by Miriam Rose who will examine how the transatlantic slave trade’s legacy continues with international finance and resource extraction in the global south.  The event was chaired by Dave Richards from RISC. The saga of the mural’s coming into being was fascinating.

Time to curb the power and influence of transnational corporations?

7.30pm Wednesday 27 January

Our speakers on Wednesday 27 January, Heidi Chow and Gemma Freedman, gave us hope that this is possible! Heidi talked about the UN Nations’ efforts to bring about a ‘Binding UN treaty on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights. You can read Dorothy Guerrero’s blog on the negotiation at https://www.globaljustice.org.uk/blog/2020/aug/28/glass-still-half-full-second-revised-draft-negotiation-text-un-treaty-transnational .

You can read the final statement of the Global Campaign on the 6th Session of the negotiations at: https://www.stopcorporateimpunity.org/despite-covid-19-limitations-civil-society-drives-momentum-for-the-historic-un-treaty-on-transnational-corporations-and-human-rights/

Gemma told us that the European Commission is also ready to consider a new law to hold businesses accountable for their impact on people and planet. It is holding a consultation NOW – BEFORE 8thFEBRUARY. We need as many people as possible to take part in the consultation. European trade unions have made it really quick and easy to participate in the consultation by clicking here. You can simply add your name without exploring further but if you prefer, you can find guidance on completing the consultation here.

How can we change the trade deals that are fuelling climate breakdown?

11.30am – 12.30pm Saturday 14 November

on zoom as part of Reading Climate Festival

We distributed leaflets outside Reading train station. We were campaigning with people across the country and also in the US, to say that whoever wins the US election, the proposed US-UK trade deal must be stopped.

Jackie Oversby said, ‘The deal would weaken the standards that protect the things we value, erode the services that take care of us, and damage the planet. All to entrench corporate power while doing next to nothing to help the real economy. This isn’t the kind of society and economy that people in the UK or the US want – nor do our allies around the world who are fighting similar deals.’

Bente Madiera said, “We are not against trading with America – we already do that – but this proposed deal would kickstart a process that could reshape our society into a corporate marketplace.’