In a letter to Pensions Minister Torsten Bell, Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan described pensions as “the accumulated wealth of more than thirty million workers and retirees” and said they should “improve the lives of those whose payslips create it.”
He said: “Most people would be horrified to learn their pension fund was investing in companies complicit in human rights abuses. Workers and retirees oppose this sort of thing – and they shouldn’t be funding it.”
The MP has outlined a series of proposals under his Progressive Pensions campaign, including giving workers a stronger voice on pension scheme boards and ensuring investments align with environmental and ethical standards.
He is also calling for divestment from fossil fuels and from companies linked to breaches of international law.
Another key part of the campaign is securing fair compensation for “non-indexed” pre-1997 pensioners whose incomes have not risen with the cost of living.
Duncan-Jordan said his proposals are “key first steps” towards a fairer system that delivers dignity in retirement and ensures “nobody is left behind.”