The leader of Crawley’s Conservatives has suggested the borough council review its policy on ethical investment to help Ukraine fight its war against Russia.
During a meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday (November 23), Duncan Crow (Con, Furnace Green) said it was time to ditch the policy when it came to investing in armaments manufacturers.
He told the meeting:
“Apart from the USA, the UK is the largest provider of military assistance to Ukraine.
“We are providing air defence systems that are protecting people in Ukraine from a terrorist state who is seeking to freeze millions of people this winter by destroying their infrastructure.
“But what message does it send out that this council is not prepared to invest its money in those companies that are working at a pace to provide weapons to defend the people of Ukraine from Russian aggression?"
The ethical policy is wide-reaching and covers areas such as tobacco and gambling as well as armaments.
Mr Crow’s suggestion did not go down well with Chris Mullins, cabinet member for wellbeing, who described his words as ‘pure opportunism’ and ‘almost embarrassing’.
He said:
“If you look at the arms industry all over the world, it is causing wars, bloodshed and death.
"Not just in Ukraine – it’s doing it in Somalia, it’s doing it in so many other countries around the world.
“The reason that they can go round killing mostly civilians is because they’ve got guns – where are those guns made?”
Straying off-track somewhat, Mr Mullins asked Mr Crow if he was suggesting investing in the American gun business – ‘there must be a big return (on your investment) there – something the latter did not suggest at all.
No other councillors backed the idea of changing the ethical investment policy.
Teenager In Custody On Crawley Attempted Murder Charge
Appeal Following Assault In Hastings
Road Closed As Armed Police Attend Incident In Worthing
Lewes District Council Placed In Planning Special Measures
‘Life-Changing’ Medication For Asthma Patients Now Available In Sussex
Arms Factory Demonstrator Disrupts Brighton & Hove Council Meeting
Patients Forced Into 'Pharmacy Bingo' - As Survey Says Medicine Shortages 'Beyond Critical'
Appeal for information After Man Dies In Hastings Collision
Wealden To Hold National Dementia Action Week This Month
Brighton Food Festival To Be Charged For Mud Bath
Comments
Add a comment