Glossop campaigners join protest about corporate climate laws

Glossop campaigners joined climate activists to call for an end to a system they say allows multinational companies to challenge governments over laws designed to protect the environment.

Members of High Peak Green New Deal took part in the action outside the Hyde office of Jonathan Reynolds, Minister for Business and Trade. 

The event was organised by Friends of the Earth, Global Justice Now, Greater Manchester Climate Justice Coalition and High Peak Green New Deal. 

Campaigners are calling on the Government to tackle the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) system, a mechanism included in some international trade and investment agreements that allows companies to seek compensation from governments over policies they believe harm their profits. 

The issue has come into focus in the UK following legal action by the company behind a proposed coal mine in Cumbria, which was blocked after a High Court ruling over its impact on the climate. 

Campaigners argue that ISDS tribunals give multinational corporations excessive power to challenge government decisions, potentially discouraging action on climate change, environmental protection and public health. 

A recent United Nations report described the system as “unjust, undemocratic and dysfunctional”, according to campaigners. 

During Friday's event in Hyde Market Square, shoppers were invited to take part in a light-hearted ‘Wheel of Fortune’ activity, imagining themselves as a company seeking permission to build a mine. 

Participants were told that whichever way the wheel landed, the company would win -either by securing permission to build and make a profit, or by being refused permission and then suing through a corporate tribunal for compensation. 

Glossop campaigner Linda Walker said the UK’s withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty, which includes ISDS provisions, showed that change was possible. 

She said: “The UK has withdrawn from the Energy Charter Treaty because of this ISDS clause. 

“We are calling on our Government to withdraw from all treaties which have such clauses, unless they can be renegotiated. And to work with other states to end the existence of these agreements altogether as they are holding back the actions we need to take to protect our planet.” 

The campaigners are urging governments internationally to take practical steps towards ending ISDS arrangements and creating what they describe as an ‘ISDS-free world’.