Key Takeaways
- • The Berkshire Pension Fund has launched a consultation on its investment strategy covering climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and corporate governance.
- • Campaigners from the East Berkshire Palestine Solidarity Campaign say the consultation omits the ethical risks of investing in companies that supply weapons to aggressive states.
- • Sue Sibany-King, branch secretary of the East Berkshire Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said there is "nothing in the consultation about world peace" or the risks of arms-supplier investments.
- • The fund invests through Local Pensions Partnership Investments Ltd, a collective serving six other counties and the 32 London boroughs.
Summary
The Berkshire Pension Fund is facing criticism over its investment strategy consultation, which campaigners say does not address investment risks tied to companies that supply weapons to aggressive states. The consultation, recently launched by the fund, considers environmental, social and governance themes including climate change, pollution, biodiversity, and corporate governance.
Sue Sibany-King, branch secretary of the East Berkshire Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: "There is nothing in the consultation about world peace and the risks of investing in companies which supply weapons to aggressive countries." She argued that conflict and instability can carry far-reaching economic consequences, including sanctions, shortages of vital commodities, and loss of life.
The Berkshire Pension Fund invests through Local Pensions Partnership Investments Ltd, a collective of local authority pension funds that covers six other counties and the 32 London boroughs. The article was produced under a subscriber partnership with USA Today and does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Sue Sibany-King, branch secretary of the East Berkshire Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: "There is nothing in the consultation about world peace and the risks of investing in companies which supply weapons to aggressive countries." She argued that conflict and instability can carry far-reaching economic consequences, including sanctions, shortages of vital commodities, and loss of life.
The Berkshire Pension Fund invests through Local Pensions Partnership Investments Ltd, a collective of local authority pension funds that covers six other counties and the 32 London boroughs. The article was produced under a subscriber partnership with USA Today and does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
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