Public law barrister Francis Hoar appeared before a House of Commons Public Bill Committee today to give his views on the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill.
The Bill's stated aim is to make provision to prevent public bodies from being influenced by political or moral disapproval of foreign states when taking certain economic decisions, subject to certain exceptions; and for connected purposes.
Francis gave evidence about:
- the principle of the Bill
- its stance on banning public statements (clause 4) and
- its approach to investment decisions.
Also, he called for clearer protection of legal professional privilege when a public body is served with an information notice.
Read a transcript of the Public Bill Committee session, including Francis’ evidence in Hansard.
Francis previously gave evidence to House of Lords Select Committee on the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 in February 2020.