Protecting Rights. Ending Corporate Abuse

Brexit

2017 Manifestos: what parties are promising on corporate accountability

In the run up to this year’s general election, the three main UK-wide political parties have now unveiled their manifestos.

There are many commonalities across three, with parties professing a desire to confront labour abuses such as modern slavery, and respond to new labour vulnerabilities driven by the “gig economy” and zero hour contracts. However, there are some notable differences on Brexit, corporate governance and the use of procurement to encourage better practice.

SNP Manifesto 2017: key positions on corporate accountability

The SNP supports the creation of a robust regulatory framework to ensure that the UK economy is not vulnerable to a re-run of the 2008 financial crisis. The SNP will support measures including the reinstatement of the reverse burden of proof which, before being removed by the Tories, required senior bank managers to demonstrate they had done the right thing where wrongdoing had emerged on their watch.

UKIP Manifesto 2017: key positions on corporate accountability

We do not accept that either a “hard” Brexit or an exit from the EU without a deal is in the interests of the British people. We will be actively campaigning to safeguard jobs, uphold basic rights and put environmental protection at the heart of any future trade deals.

Conservative Party Manifesto 2017: key positions on corporate accountability

The Conservative 2017 Manifesto shares a number of similarities with pledges made under the 2015 Manifesto. These include: reducing red tape, addressing tax avoidance and evasion, and requiring companies to publish information on executive pay. In their 2017 Manifesto, the Conservatives pledge to introduce measures that ensure employees’ interests are represented on company boards, however...

Liberal Democrat Party Manifesto 2017: key positions on corporate accountability

The Liberal Democrats’ 2017 Manifesto makes similar commitments to those pledged in 2015. These include: reforming laws to extend company reporting to ethical practices, environmental, worker and community protections; tackling tax avoidance and utilising public procurement to promote best business practice. New pledges focus on keeping the UK in the single market, strengthening worker input into company...

Labour Party Manifesto 2017: key positions on corporate accountability

Labour’s 2017 manifesto advances many of the party’s 2015 manifesto pledges. These include: introducing a Living Wage; working with companies to build sustainable supply chains; reforming the UK takeover regime; addressing shareholder short-termism; and targeting tax avoidance. Some new proposals include: collaborating with businesses to ensure they comply with Modern Slavery legislation and report on...

Plaid Cymru manifesto 2017: key positions on corporate accountability

Plaid Cymru will put an end to the unfair business rates system, by moving towards a turnover-based system. We will ensure there is a properly funded Welsh Development Bank to invest in Welsh businesses.