Copyright 2001 Telegraph Group Limited
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON)

April 16, 2001, Monday

SECTION: Pg. 02

LENGTH: 461 words

HEADLINE: Pro-euro directors targeted

BYLINE: By Benedict Brogan Political Correspondent

BODY:
COMPANY directors face being "shamed" in their homes by anti-euro protesters who are copying animal rights extremists with an internet campaign targeted at firms that support the single currency.

Details of 50 companies and their senior executives have been posted on a website that says "they are betraying their country". People are urged to boycott their products and "communicate your anger".

The campaign emerged as the Government repeated its commitment against "bullying and intimidation" by animal rights "criminals" who have terrorised workers at Huntingdon Life Sciences. Last night the Candidlist website was condemned by MPs, and the Institute of Directors said it was "sinister".

The website, which tracks the European sympathies of parliamentary candidates, has launched a "roll of shame" that is to publish home addresses of pro-euro company directors from firms including British Airways and Unilever. Others on the list include British Midland, Dyson, Kellogg's, Diageo, ICI, Mitsubishi and Sony.

Its creator, Sean Gabb, the libertarian writer, describes the companies as "active supporters of the drive to destroy British self-government".

In an explicit invitation to persecute senior executives of the firms listed, he says: "Should you wish to communicate your anger at the activities of these companies, you can find details of how to do so by clicking on the name of the relevant company.

"Please note that we provide the home addresses of directors together with other useful information. We advise all our readers to use this material legally and responsibly."

The introduction to the website's "roll of shame" describes Europe as "a mafia state" and expresses regret that "certain business interests do not agree with this analysis.

"They have joined forces with the Europhile politicians in this country to help to persuade us to abolish the pound and adopt the euro in its place.

"It is no defence to claim that the sole duty of a businessman is to maximise profit within the law while leaving ethical concerns to others. Every human act has a moral dimension and everyone, in whatever capacity, must be prepared to face judgment on how he acts."

Although it promises to publish home addresses, none is listed so far and only a handful of company details include names of directors.

Ruth Lea, head of policy at the Institute of Directors, condemned the website. "I'm appalled by this," she said. "It's sinister and it's intimidation. I'm particularly appalled because we are opposed to the euro and in favour of the pound."

Fraser Kemp, Labour MP for Houghton and Washington East, said: "We have seen examples of what's happened with animal rights protesters targeting company directors and I regard this as alarming."