BP faces legal ultimatum over blocked climate resolution
The campaign group Follow This has given BP a one-week deadline to include its shareholder resolution, warning that the company’s directors could face legal action if they fail to comply, according to a letter seen by Net Zero Investor
Dutch campaign group Follow This has retained prominent London law firm Mishcon de Reya to challenge BP’s decision to exclude a shareholder resolution on climate, which could now expose the company’s directors to fines.
Earlier this month, BP published its notice of Annual Meeting but omitted a key resolution co-filed by 16 institutional investors representing over €1 trillion in assets. The resolution requested that BP outline how shareholder value would be created in the event of declining oil and gas demand.
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BP had confirmed in January 2026 that the resolution met the threshold for valid submission. However, when the company issued its AGM notice on 6 March 2026, the resolution was not included, prompting criticism from institutional asset owners.
“This case is bigger than one resolution at one company," said Mark van Baal, CEO of Follow This. "Shareholder democracy in the UK is at stake. If BP can block a valid resolution without explanation, any company can. We will not let that stand.”
Investors backing the resolution include Bernische Pensionskasse, Ethos Foundation, Sierra Club Foundation, and West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
In its letter to BP, Mishcon de Reya stated that BP’s action represented a “blanket policy of exclusion” and warned that it was incompatible with statutory shareholder rights. The letter emphasized the urgency, noting that shareholders must be given a minimum of 21 clear days’ notice of any resolutions to be discussed at the AGM, meaning BP only has until 1 April to circulate the resolution.
If BP fails to comply, Follow This has threatened legal action that could result in fines for the company’s directors. The letter also indicates that the case could be escalated to High Court proceedings.
The standoff comes at a sensitive moment for BP, which is preparing for a major leadership transition as former Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill is set to assume leadership of the company effective 1 April 2026.
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