“Exploitation is no picnic”: Delivering your ask for corporate accountability to the UK government

As families across the UK dig out their blankets and baskets during National Picnic Week, Freedom United with the Corporate Justice Coalition is serving a different kind of meal to 10 Downing Street and the Department of Business and Trade: a symbolic “hamper of harms”. 

Why? Because exploitation is no picnic.

From exploitative child labor in cobalt mines powering electric cars, to Uyghur forced labor in the cotton woven into our clothes, to the poverty wages behind the tea in our mugs and the berries on our plates—harm to people and the planet is embedded within everyday goods sold by UK companies.   

Currently, UK companies are not doing enough to change exploitative practices, and public frustration is growing.

Although the Modern Slavery Act was celebrated as “groundbreaking” for corporate action when introduced a decade ago, its reliance on essentially voluntary corporate reporting has led to many companies not meeting even basic transparency standards.  

Therefore, it is time to implement mandatory human rights due diligence laws with meaningful penalties for non-compliance so that companies have no choice but to prioritize human rights and environmental protection over profit.  

That is why over 145,000 people—including thousands of Freedom United supporters—have signed a joint petition demanding that the UK introduce a Business, Human Rights and Environment Act. This law would require companies and public institutions to take real action to prevent human rights abuses and environmental damage across their global operations and supply chains. 

Without strong, mandatory laws, companies continue to profit from abuse—and people and the planet continue to pay the price. 

Polls show that over 80% of the UK public supports stronger corporate accountability laws, but the government is still refusing to act. That’s why we, along with our partners are marching your signatures straight to decision-makers today— to show them just how strong and united our call to action is.  

The message is simple: the picnic’s over. It’s time to hold companies accountable. 

Let’s put ethics back on the menu—and make sure no company can profit from forced labor and environmental destruction. 

Together, we can continue to push governments all over the globe toward a future where businesses are no longer allowed to profit from exploitation. If you have not already, sign our petition to keep up the momentum.