I support a new law on business, human rights and the environment to protect people and planet from abuse.

I recognise that UK businesses, investors, the public and civil society groups support the  call for a new UK law requiring the conduct of human rights and environmental due diligence by business and the public sector.

I agree that we can no longer leave these vital issues to voluntary initiatives, which businesses themselves now recognise do not provide adequate protection for human rights and the environment. A new law must include accountability mechanisms, including enforcement and the provision of access to justice for victims. 

A new law would:

• Demonstrate UK leadership on business and human rights

• Ensure people and the planet are protected from human rights abuses and environmental destruction

• Allow investors to identify the greatest risks to and impacts on people and the planet linked to portfolios

• Align the UK with advances being made in many other countries

• Provide a ‘level playing field’, including for responsible businesses at risk of being undercut by less scrupulous competitors