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The independent action group for current and ex Equitable Life policyholders, funded by contributions. Equitable Members Action Group Equitable Members Action Group Limited, a company limited by guarantee, number 5471535 registered in the UK |
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The independent action group for current and ex Equitable Life policyholders, funded by contributions. Equitable Members Action Group Equitable Members Action Group Limited, a company limited by guarantee, number 5471535 registered in the UK |
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Correspondence: 18/10/2005 - EMAG writes to select committee expressing concern about government disposition to PO.
Dear Dr Wright, Concern at the government response to the PO report on Britons interned by Japan. EMAG was, in 2003 a harsh critic of the PO, in that we held the view that the first report into Equitable Life was flawed and hopelessly limited. It was precisely because EMAG holds the role of the office in such high esteem that we felt it of such importance as to warrant the time and expense of our instigating judicial review proceedings. However, EMAG was assuaged by the formal agreement of the PO, in July 2004, to conduct a thorough and broader investigation and we therefore dropped the JR. For more than one year EMAG has been impressed with the way that new study is being implemented and EMAG is today a strong advocate of the way the office of the PO is now operating under the stewardship of Ann Abraham (and Iain Ogilvie). The second investigation into Equitable Life by the PO is due to be laid before Parliament early in 2006. We expect Parliament to respect and honour its findings. EMAG writes to you now to express our very grave concern at the MoD’s response to the PO findings with regard Britons’ interned. If the government is prepared to ignore PO recommendations, this is an alarming precedent which bodes ill for how the government may react first to the Occupational Pensions report, due soon, and then the Equitable Life one to follow – both of which may recommend substantial compensation. The ramifications for Parliamentary democracy are enormous. EMAG urges members of your committee to stand fast and stand up to government whenever and wherever it decides to ignore a finding of the PO it regards as inconvenient or expensive. Yours sincerely, Paul Braithwaite |
