B

Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 23 March 2026

Debate

Companies: Online AGMs

Contribution

The AGM is a more than convenient opportunity for shareholders in this sector to express their views. Of course, they all wish that the awkward squad would stay at home, as we do in this place, but we have to put up with the awkward squad—and my noble friend is very effective at that. The Minister will know that ShareAction provides evidence that online-only meetings allow boards to “manipulate the agenda, ignore questions and avoid scrutiny”. Investor groups describe in-person shareholder interactions as the “cornerstone” of the financial system. Even the FRC says that the AGM provides shareholders with the opportunity to see the whites of the directors’ eyes. From my point of view, it would be a great error to discontinue face-to-face meetings. We know it in politics, we know it in charity, and it is the same in business—even if only one person shows up to your board.

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