Pensions investment in arms

Wirral Green Party is leading a campaign against the investment of public pension funds in arms companies. Recent press reports have revealed that £15m from the Merseyside Pension Fund has been invested in weapons manufacturers while direct investment in ethical funds was cancelled as far back as 2003.

The campaign has been set up because the arms trade globally fuels conflict and massively damages both the environment and the cause of peaceful development.

Latest update

On 26th November 2007, protesters from a number of peace organisations gathered outside Wallasey town Hall.

The Merseyside Pension Fund (MPF) Committee, made up mainly of Wirral councillors, administers the Fund on behalf of five Merseyside councils. Despite three of these (Liverpool, Knowsley and St. Helen's) unanimously supporting disinvestment (because of the campaign) and requesting Wirral to change its stance, the MPF refused to alter its position.

The campaign continues.

2007

In January 2007, a protest was held outside Wallasey Town Hall where a letter from Wirral Green Party was presented to the Chair of the pensions committee.

Our letter to the Pensions Committee can be read here. For further information visit www.caat.org.uk

In July 2007, Wirral Green Party members attended the demonstration at Liverpool Town Hall to support John Coyne's raising of the issue of the Merseyside Pension Fund's investment in the arms trade.

At this time, the Liberal Democrats voted down the motion. Read more on the Liverpool website.

View Bekki Koncienzcy's video blog at www.liverpoolgreenpartyvideoblog.org.uk

On 17th October 2007, in an historic decision, Liverpool City Council voted unanimously to disinvest from the arms trade. This follows months of campaiging and lobbying by Merseyside Stop the War coalition and local Green Parties.

2006

Peace Tax Protest

Wirral Green Party members were out in force at Wirral Magistrates Court in December 2006 lending support to Lis Davidson, a Liverpool doctor who has been withholding 10% of her taxes in protest at the use of taxpayer's funds for military expenditure. For further information on this campaign please visit www.conscienceonline.org.uk.