(Norwich South) (Lab): On a
point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Shell plc, a
British company, has proposed the sale of its Nigerian
subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development
Company, SPDC, raising serious concerns that its environmental
responsibilities and obligations in the Niger delta could be
evaded. This is one of the most significant business and human
rights issues of our generation. Shell is
responsible for some of the most brutal, violent, and repressive
actions by a company, in this case against communities in the
Niger delta. This includes complicity in the execution of the
Ogoni nine, including writer and human rights activist Ken
Saro-Wiwa. Shell’s exit from the Niger delta
could set a precedent for other British multinationals operating
in the global south that may be seeking to evade responsibility
for environmental destruction, leaving communities with little
recourse to justice. In 2013, the UK committed to enforcing the
United Nations principles on business and human rights. I ask
your advice about how this House can ensure that the Government
do not allow Shell to leave behind an
environmental catastrophe as it seeks to exit the Niger delta.
Mr Deputy Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving
notice of his point of order. As he will be aware, that is not a
matter for the Chair. He has until 12.30 pm on Wednesday next
week to table an oral question to the Foreign, Commonwealth and
Development Office for Tuesday 11 March, and of course, as an
experienced Member, he knows how to table an early-day motion,
and how to apply for a general debate in Westminster Hall, a
half-hour Adjournment debate or a Backbench Business debate. The
Table Office will be pleased to advise him on other options.