Hi John,
John, do you think that big corporations should have special privileges to sue governments for making decisions that protect people and planet – just to protect their big profits?
Because that’s exactly what’s happening right now.
Under a system known as Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), corporations are using secretive tribunals to sue governments for policies such as raising the minimum wage, introducing new rules to protect the environment and putting health warnings on cigarette packaging – basically for any democratic decision that might affect their profits. And if they win, they walk away with millions in public money as ‘compensation.’
This system entrenches corporate privilege and puts profits above human rights and democratic decision-making. And it’s detrimental to both people’s livelihoods and the planet.
But together we can stop these courts in their tracks. Sign the petition to the Department of International Trade now.
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Public money for public services, not corporate giants
These secretive corporate courts force governments to pay billions to corporations. Where a government loses a case, the compensation awarded to companies can run into billions of pounds. We believe that public money should be spent on funding public services, healthcare and education rather than handed over to corporate giants.
Even if a corporation loses a case, the state still has to pay hefty legal bills that can dent public finances. Recent estimates show that legal costs averaged over £6m and up to £24m in some cases.
If corporations have genuine grievances against a state, they should use national courts that are able to provide legal redress. There is no need for a separate legal system just for corporations.
Stand up to corporate courts by adding your voice today
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Now is our chance to stop secretive corporate courts for good
The good news is that the scale of this unjust system has sparked resistance across the globe. Countries like South Africa, Ecuador and Indonesia have already ripped up these dangerous deals and the campaigns against TTIP and CETA (the EU’s trade deals with the USA and Canada) have made the corporate court system politically toxic.
Right now, we have a window of opportunity to join with campaigners in the UK, Europe and across the world to topple this unjust, elitist system that elevates corporate rights over human rights.
Please take a moment to sign our petition to demand an end to corporate courts.
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Thanks for everything you do for our campaigns. Together we have a real chance of stopping corporate courts for good.
Heidi Chow
Trade campaigner at Global Justice Now
P.S. John, our campaign successes depends on people like you. With your help, we could ramp up our campaign to stop corporate courts. Will you support our campaign by donating today?
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