Agenda item

Notice of Motion given by Councillor Robert Murphy

That this Council:-

 

(a)       notes the Foreign and Commonwealth Office calls on “businesses and civil society” to help give effect to its “Good Business” action plan, which includes the aim that:

 

            “… human rights related matters are reflected appropriately when purchasing goods, works and services.

 

            Under the public procurement rules public bodies may exclude tenderers from bidding for a contract opportunity in certain circumstances, including where there is information showing grave misconduct by a company in the course of its business or profession. Such misconduct might arise in cases where there are breaches of human rights. In addition, UK public bodies are required to have due regard for equality-related issues in their procurement activity.”

 

(b)       is concerned at significant reports of human rights breaches across the world by large corporations; and

 

(c)        confirms that this Council, in so far as it is legally able to do so, should exclude from contract opportunities any company where there is evidence of a poor track record of breaches of human rights and equality laws.

Minutes:

 

Contractors and Breaches of Human Rights

 

 

 

RESOLVED: On the Motion of Councillor Robert Murphy, seconded by Councillor Mazher Iqbal, that this Council:-

 

 

 

(a)       notes the Foreign and Commonwealth Office calls on “businesses and civil society” to help give effect to its “Good Business” action plan, which includes the aim that:

 

            “… human rights related matters are reflected appropriately when purchasing goods, works and services.

 

            Under the public procurement rules public bodies may exclude tenderers from bidding for a contract opportunity in certain circumstances, including where there is information showing grave misconduct by a company in the course of its business or profession. Such misconduct might arise in cases where there are breaches of human rights. In addition, UK public bodies are required to have due regard for equality-related issues in their procurement activity.”

 

(b)       is concerned at significant reports of human rights breaches across the world by large corporations; and

 

(c)        confirms that this Council, in so far as it is legally able to do so, should exclude from contract opportunities any company where there is evidence of a poor track record of breaches of human rights and equality laws.