The EIAG (Ethical Investment Advisory Group) advises the Church of England on its investments. For more than 18 months EIAG has been in dialogue with Veolia Environnement, the French parent company of the Veolia multinational group, over its support for Israel’s illegal settlements through the Jerusalem tramway, bus services and the Tovlan landfill site. Veolia’s support for settlements continues. 18 months is quite long enough and it is time for EIAG to recommend disinvestment from Veolia Environnement.

EIAG is reluctant to do so, but is likely to give disinvestment more serious consideration if Christians, particularly Anglicans, urge them to recommend it.  An updated version of the case against Veolia can be viewed here. Please write or email the EIAG.

The Secretary is well aware of the facts of Veolia’s support to settlements so there is no need to go into a detailed statement of the issue. The basic points are:

• the settlements are a serious obstacle to peace

• the Church of England should not be investing in a company that is complicit in violation of international law and war crimes

• Veolia continues to support illegal settlements and will not admit anything unethical in doing so

• and after 18 months or more of dialogue it is time for the Church of England to disinvest.

EIAG will not want to be part of a campaign, but will pay attention to the views of adherents of the Church of England that it serves and other Christians too.

EIAG Secretary, Edward Mason, and the Chairman, John Reynolds, share the address eiag@c-of-e.org.uk

Postal Address:

EIAG, Church House, Great Smith Street, London, SWIP 3AZ

The EIAG’s website is here.  The EIAG’s statement of ethical investment policy can be viewed here.  One of its criteria is “Conscientiousness with regard to human rights”.