Invest in Life, Not Destruction: Why Welsh Pensions Must Divest Now


On Wednesday, 12 March 2025, a broad coalition of activists, trade unions, faith groups, and climate organisations stood united outside Swansea Guildhall to demand urgent action on pension fund investments in Wales. The demonstration coincided with a Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) Joint Governance Committee meeting, where campaigners called on the WPP to divest from unethical investments, including industries that fuel war, human rights abuses, and environmental destruction.
“I feel distressed that my pension is invested and involved with the killing of children.” Marge Hawkins, Pembrokeshire
The Call for Divestment
Campaigners argue that Welsh pension funds must stop investing in war, fossil fuels, and deforestation – industries that fuel human rights abuses, inequality, and climate breakdown. They warn that WPP’s investments pose serious moral, financial, reputational, and legal risks, potentially violating the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Michaela Rohmann, Global Climate Justice Group Coordinator for Climate Cymru, called on the Welsh Government to act:
“As a member of the Global Climate Justice Group, I believe it is crucial for the Welsh Government to champion climate action, human rights, loss and damage, and global citizenship.
For the Future Generations Act to have real meaning beyond just words on paper, public pension funds must be invested ethically and sustainably. If we are to be a globally responsible Wales, we must take decisive action for global climate justice.
Those who have contributed the least to climate change are suffering the most from its devastating impacts. We cannot continue to invest in war, fossil fuels, and deforestation, industries that drive human rights violations, deepen inequality, and fuel emissions.
It’s time for the Welsh Government to make the right choice, for Wales and the world.”

Reinvesting in a Better Future
Rather than funding industries that harm people and the planet, demonstrators proposed positive alternatives for pension investments. On a symbolic “What Would You Rather Invest In?” tree, attendees wrote down their visions for a fairer future. Some of the suggestions included:
- Renewable energy owned by local communities
- Social housing in Wales
- Help for flood victims
- Public transport improvements
- Locally produced fruit and vegetables
- The NHS and mental health services
A Growing Coalition for Justice

The coalition represents a broad alliance of faith groups, trade unions, political parties, and climate and peace organisations, including Amnesty Wales; Cardiff County Unison; Cardiff Stop the War; Cardiff Trades Council; Climate Cymru; CND Cymru; Crynwyr Cymru Quakers in Wales; Cymdeithas y Cymod; Global Climate Justice Group; Heddwch ar Waith; Muslim Council of Wales; Na’amod Wales, British Jews Against Occupation and Apartheid; Newport Trades Council; Plaid Cymru; Palestine Solidarity Campaign Cymru; Rhondda Cynon Taf Trades Council; Stop the War Cymru; Swansea Community Link; Swansea Trades Council; Wales Green Party; Wellbeing Economy Cymru; West Wales Climate Coalition; and XR Cymru.
It reflects the widespread public demand for ethical and sustainable investments that align with Wales’ values of justice, peace, and environmental responsibility, as set out in legislation such as the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

Zahid Noor, interim convenor spokesperson for Palestine Solidarity Campaign Cymru, welcomed the growing support:
“Together, we are demanding divestment and ethical pensions that reflect our values of justice and sustainability. Ensuring Welsh pensions meet the highest ethical, human rights and environmental standards is both a moral obligation and a prudent financial responsibility.

“The WPP has a unique opportunity to lead by example. Pensions should not come at the expense of the world’s most vulnerable people. We have made the WPP aware that a genocide has occurred in Gaza, and it must stop funding this injustice.
Thousands are calling for decisive action – WPP must act now.”

A Personal and Ethical Issue
For many campaigners, this is deeply personal. Marge Hawkins from Pembrokeshire PSC said she had chosen to work in health and local government so that her labour was ethical. “I feel distressed that my pension is invested and involved with the killing of children.”
Her local group has been working to convince Pembrokeshire councillors to divest their pension funds, showing that change is possible at a local level.

Heather Bolton from Divest Gwynedd highlighted:
“It’s time for the Welsh Pension Partnership to raise its ambition on responsible investing and to recognise that the old paradigm of depending on engagement is simply not effective.
This is a wonderful opportunity to embrace regenerative investment streams that not only provide financial benefits but also enhance the well-being of people and nature.
These investments could include social housing, regenerative agriculture, sustainable forestry, green transport, renewable energy, and nature restoration.”

The Path Forward
With growing public pressure and a united coalition of voices, the demand for ethical investment in Wales is louder than ever. The WPP has a historic opportunity to lead the way…will they take it?
How You Can Get Involved:
Sign & Share the Petition
Campaigners are gathering signatures to show widespread public support for divestment. Sign the petition here, and share it with your network too.
Write to Your Councillors & Pension Fund Managers
If you’re part of a local government pension scheme, contact your fund managers to demand transparency and responsible investment policies. Your local council representatives also have a say in where these funds are invested. Even if you’re not a scheme member, you can still urge them to support divestment and advocate for ethical alternatives for those who are.
Join Local Campaign Groups
Many organisations, including the Divest Campaign, PSC Cymru, Climate Cymru’s Global Climate Justice Group and XR Cymru, are actively working on divestment campaigns. Get involved with local chapters and help build momentum.
Spread the Word
Use social media, write to local newspapers, or talk to your community about the need for ethical pension investments. The more people use their voice, the stronger the movement becomes.
This movement is growing, but real change will only happen if we take action together. Welsh pensions must fund a just and sustainable future, not harm and exploitation.
(Images by Hannah Tottle)
Protect what you love
Tell our leaders to protect the Wales we love from the climate and nature emergency. Send a giant ice heart to the Senedd to show them just how much you care.
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