Difference between revisions of "Weber Shandwick"
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==Campaigns== | ==Campaigns== | ||
===Pro-Nuclear Activity=== | ===Pro-Nuclear Activity=== | ||
| − | + | Weber Shandwick has a long history of involvement with the nuclear industry. Documents released under FOI, show that the firm worked for [[BNFL]] in 2004 and 2005.<ref>[http://www.spinwatch.org/-articles-by-category-mainmenu-8/67-nuclear/3373-paying-to-be-propagandised Paying to be propagandised], Chris Grimshaw, Corporate Watch, 10 October 2006</ref> In February 2006, the PR magazine ''O'Dwyer's'' also reported that Weber Shandwick was promoting [[BNFL]]'s move to sell Westinghouse Electric to Japan's Toshiba for $5.4 billion. U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez had lobbied UK officials in favour of General Electric's bid for Westinghouse.<ref>[http://www.odwyerpr.com/members/0206westing.htm "Weber Shandwick Gudes Nuke Deal"]''O'Dwyers PR Daily'', February 6, 2006. - requires subscription</ref> [[BNFL]] remains a lobbying client in 2009.<ref>[http://www.appc.org.uk/index.cfm/pcms/site.ourclients.register_home/ APPC register], to Nov 2008, accessed Feb 2009</ref> | |
| − | Weber Shandwick has a long history of involvement with the nuclear industry. Documents released under FOI, show that | ||
====Working Towards a Nuclear New Build==== | ====Working Towards a Nuclear New Build==== | ||
| + | Weber Shandwick has been working with BNFL towards a new nuclear build in the UK since 2004. The [[Labour Party]] manifesto in 1997 had been opposed to new power stations, stating that there was no case for nuclear power.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/government-accused-of-uturn-on-nuclear-energy-615904.html Government accused of U-turn on nuclear energy], Independent, 5 November 2001</ref> By 2006, Labour was claiming the opposite - that nuclear power needed to be part of the mix of energy supply for the UK. And in 2007, [[Tony Blair]] was linking new build to climate change: "If we want to have secure energy supplies and reduce CO2 emissions, we have got to put the issue of nuclear power on the agenda".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6681377.stm BBC News], 24 May 2007</ref> | ||
| − | + | In 2004 - a year before the government annnounced its "official review" into nuclear power in the UK - Weber and BNFL were working on their own plan: | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
* "To secure from the review a meaningful commitment to a programme of nuclear new build, underpinned by commitments to: | * "To secure from the review a meaningful commitment to a programme of nuclear new build, underpinned by commitments to: | ||
| − | |||
* Provide the necessary market and fiscal framewrok for replacement build; | * Provide the necessary market and fiscal framewrok for replacement build; | ||
| − | |||
* Begin a programme or review which deals with the question of disposal of nuclear waste from repalcement build; | * Begin a programme or review which deals with the question of disposal of nuclear waste from repalcement build; | ||
| + | * Analyse and bring in the changes needed in the planning and regulation regime which to enable speedy decision-making and construction".<ref>[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/a/a8/Weber1.PDF NewBuild Proposal], Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 16, 2004</ref> | ||
| − | + | ===="Belief in the Cause"==== | |
| − | + | One question people ask is whether PR consultants are neutral on issues like nuclear power and just provide professional advice. One email from Weber to BNFL from September 2004 gives an answer. It said: "As you know, you have a group of people over here who believe in this cause - we would love to do this work, and already feel excited about it".<ref>[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/a/a8/Weber1.PDF NewBuild Proposal], Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 16, 2004</ref> | |
| − | |||
| − | ==== | + | ====Using climate change to sell nuclear==== |
| + | One of the main PR strategies of the nuclear lobby over the last three years has been to use the issue of climate change to push for a resumption in nuclear. The argument they have put forward is that nuclear is a low emitter of greenhouse gases and should therefore be used as a key policy option to fight climate change. Part of Weber / BNFL's strategy has been to position nuclear as clean, safe, secure and climate-friendly (see also [[BNFL]]). | ||
| − | + | For example, in December 2004, Weber wrote a document “The Case for Nuclear Energy”, which re-iterated the major themes that the nuclear industry is using to push for a revival – climate change and energy security. Nuclear's main selling points are: • Nuclear energy can be competitive with gas, and may in the future be the cheapest form of electricity; • '''Nuclear power is essential in combating CO2 emissions'''; • Nuclear power offers substantial security of supply benefits; • Nuclear plants can be built to time and cost; • Nuclear waste issues should not be a barrier to building new stations; • The track record of safety and security in the nuclear industry is excellent; • The nuclear industry plays a key role in the UK economy; • The need for Government action to keep the nuclear option open is increasingly urgent; • Action needed now by Government.<ref>[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/8/8d/BNFL0002.PDF The Case for Nuclear], Email Sent from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, December 15, 2004</ref> | |
But what about those who deny climate change? They could, by default, undermine the case for nuclear: In September 2004 a letter appeared in ''The Times'' signed by [[Lord Lawson]], and known climate sceptics [[Wilfred Beckerman]] as well as [[Julian Morris]] from the [[International Policy Network]], amongst others that attacked the need for action on climate: | But what about those who deny climate change? They could, by default, undermine the case for nuclear: In September 2004 a letter appeared in ''The Times'' signed by [[Lord Lawson]], and known climate sceptics [[Wilfred Beckerman]] as well as [[Julian Morris]] from the [[International Policy Network]], amongst others that attacked the need for action on climate: | ||
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On reading this, Weber Shandwick emailed BNFL: | On reading this, Weber Shandwick emailed BNFL: | ||
| + | :"Times letter today from [[Nigel Lawson]] and others which seems to be pooh-poohing climate change - anyone know anything about where this lot have popped up from?"... "Any intellgence (sic) gratefully received before we set to work here at WS end trying to find out what's going on..."<ref>[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/7/7c/Weber2.PDF Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL], September 24, 2004.</ref> | ||
| − | + | ====Good News in Labour's 2005 Manifesto==== | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ====Good News in Labour's Manifesto==== | ||
When Labour's 2005 Manifesto was published, the spin doctors were quick to pick up on the following paragraph: | When Labour's 2005 Manifesto was published, the spin doctors were quick to pick up on the following paragraph: | ||
| − | + | :"We have a major programmme to promote renewable energy, as part of a strategy of having a mix of energy sources from nuclear power stations to clean coal to micro generators." | |
| − | "We have a major programmme to promote renewable energy, as part of a strategy of having a mix of energy sources from nuclear power stations to clean coal to micro generators." | ||
Weber Shandwick sent a note to BNFL: | Weber Shandwick sent a note to BNFL: | ||
| − | + | :" To me, at least, this is a step towards a declared pro-nuclear position". | |
| − | " To me, at least, this is a step towards a declared pro-nuclear position". | ||
BNFL replied: | BNFL replied: | ||
| − | + | :"Wow...good news indeed".<ref>[http://www.spinprofiles.org/images/6/61/Weber3.PDF Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL], April 13, 2005.</ref> | |
| − | "Wow...good news indeed". | ||
==People== | ==People== | ||
Revision as of 17:03, 20 February 2009
Weber Shandwick is the UK subsidiary of Weber Shandwick Worldwide, one of the biggest global PR companies (owned by Interpublic). In 2006, the UK subsidiary had a fee income of £28 million.[1]
Contents
Campaigns
Pro-Nuclear Activity
Weber Shandwick has a long history of involvement with the nuclear industry. Documents released under FOI, show that the firm worked for BNFL in 2004 and 2005.[2] In February 2006, the PR magazine O'Dwyer's also reported that Weber Shandwick was promoting BNFL's move to sell Westinghouse Electric to Japan's Toshiba for $5.4 billion. U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez had lobbied UK officials in favour of General Electric's bid for Westinghouse.[3] BNFL remains a lobbying client in 2009.[4]
Working Towards a Nuclear New Build
Weber Shandwick has been working with BNFL towards a new nuclear build in the UK since 2004. The Labour Party manifesto in 1997 had been opposed to new power stations, stating that there was no case for nuclear power.[5] By 2006, Labour was claiming the opposite - that nuclear power needed to be part of the mix of energy supply for the UK. And in 2007, Tony Blair was linking new build to climate change: "If we want to have secure energy supplies and reduce CO2 emissions, we have got to put the issue of nuclear power on the agenda".[6]
In 2004 - a year before the government annnounced its "official review" into nuclear power in the UK - Weber and BNFL were working on their own plan:
- "To secure from the review a meaningful commitment to a programme of nuclear new build, underpinned by commitments to:
- Provide the necessary market and fiscal framewrok for replacement build;
- Begin a programme or review which deals with the question of disposal of nuclear waste from repalcement build;
- Analyse and bring in the changes needed in the planning and regulation regime which to enable speedy decision-making and construction".[7]
"Belief in the Cause"
One question people ask is whether PR consultants are neutral on issues like nuclear power and just provide professional advice. One email from Weber to BNFL from September 2004 gives an answer. It said: "As you know, you have a group of people over here who believe in this cause - we would love to do this work, and already feel excited about it".[8]
Using climate change to sell nuclear
One of the main PR strategies of the nuclear lobby over the last three years has been to use the issue of climate change to push for a resumption in nuclear. The argument they have put forward is that nuclear is a low emitter of greenhouse gases and should therefore be used as a key policy option to fight climate change. Part of Weber / BNFL's strategy has been to position nuclear as clean, safe, secure and climate-friendly (see also BNFL).
For example, in December 2004, Weber wrote a document “The Case for Nuclear Energy”, which re-iterated the major themes that the nuclear industry is using to push for a revival – climate change and energy security. Nuclear's main selling points are: • Nuclear energy can be competitive with gas, and may in the future be the cheapest form of electricity; • Nuclear power is essential in combating CO2 emissions; • Nuclear power offers substantial security of supply benefits; • Nuclear plants can be built to time and cost; • Nuclear waste issues should not be a barrier to building new stations; • The track record of safety and security in the nuclear industry is excellent; • The nuclear industry plays a key role in the UK economy; • The need for Government action to keep the nuclear option open is increasingly urgent; • Action needed now by Government.[9]
But what about those who deny climate change? They could, by default, undermine the case for nuclear: In September 2004 a letter appeared in The Times signed by Lord Lawson, and known climate sceptics Wilfred Beckerman as well as Julian Morris from the International Policy Network, amongst others that attacked the need for action on climate:
It said: "Sir, Both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition made major speeches last week on climate change and the policies that are supposedly required to deal with it (reports, September 14 and 15). It appears that, in this area, Tony Blair and Michael Howard are of one mind. They hold the same alarmist view of the world, and call for much the same radical -and costly programme of action ... There are no solid grounds for assuming, as Messrs Blair and Howard do, that global warming demands immediate and far-reaching action".
On reading this, Weber Shandwick emailed BNFL:
- "Times letter today from Nigel Lawson and others which seems to be pooh-poohing climate change - anyone know anything about where this lot have popped up from?"... "Any intellgence (sic) gratefully received before we set to work here at WS end trying to find out what's going on..."[10]
Good News in Labour's 2005 Manifesto
When Labour's 2005 Manifesto was published, the spin doctors were quick to pick up on the following paragraph:
- "We have a major programmme to promote renewable energy, as part of a strategy of having a mix of energy sources from nuclear power stations to clean coal to micro generators."
Weber Shandwick sent a note to BNFL:
- " To me, at least, this is a step towards a declared pro-nuclear position".
BNFL replied:
- "Wow...good news indeed".[11]
People
- Colin Byrne Chief Executive Officer, Weber Shandwick - UK - clients include BNFL
- David Yelland Senior Vice Chairman, Weber Shandwick - UK
- Nora Farrell, Managing Director of the Edinburgh office
Clients
Lobbying clients listed in 2008[12] Abbot Laboratories | Balfour Beatty | Barclays | British Museum | Carbon Trust | Devon County Council | Esmee Fairbairn Foundation | GKN | Goodman International | Health & Safety Executive | Leaning & Skills Council | Maximus | Nestle | Northrop Grumman | Advamed | Bar Council | BNFL | Camidoc | De La Rue | Dispensing Doctors Association | Finmeccanica | AgustaWestland | Selex Galileo | Jewish Community Centre | Mabey & Johnson | Mentor Employment & Skills | NHS Community Foundation Trusts | Paypoint | Association of British Healthcare Industries | Bennoy | East Midlands Development Agency | GB Group | Hammerson | Kalyx | Marie Curie Cancer Care | Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board | Norfolk County Council | Rural Services Partnership | Serco | Maxim | University of Central Lancashire | Industry Forum | Findon Holdings | Turkingtons | Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland | CEMEX | Taggart Homes | Matrix | Wright Bus | Aldi | National Osteoporosis Society | Digital UK | Waverley Rail | British Waterways | The Glenmorangie Company | Scottish Physical Activity Task Force | Circle Health Properties | Whiteburn Developments | Suffolk County Council | Hark Group | Virgin Media | Youth Sports Trust | Recycling Electrical Producers' Industry Consortium | Central Craigavon Ltd | Tourism Ireland | West Bay Capital | Down Royal Racecourse | Strathclyde Partnership for Transport | Henderson Global Investors | Tiger | Energy Saving Trust | NHS Health Scotland | Quarriers | MacFarlane Homes | Transport Scotland | Scottish Environmental Protection Agency | Surrey Police Authority | University of Hertfordshire | Whizz Kidz | Broads Authority | Inna Gudavadze | Frederick Solms-Baruth | Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation | Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission | The Construction and Property Group | Grosvenor | North British Windpower | Glasgow Airport Rail Link | Ukio Bankas | Eden Springs | Multiple Schlerosis Society | Highland Hospice | Viking Wind Energy | BSW Timber | Access Glasgow
Other
(The following clients are currently unreferenced) Adobe | Anglian Water | Coca-Cola | COLT Telccom | Corporation of London | Dixons | Eli Lilly | Euronext | General Council of the Bar | Intel | Meat & Livestock Commission | Merrill Lynch | Nestle | Panasonic | Peugot | Pfizer | Scotts | Siemens | Unilever | Visa | Woolworths
Case studies
Contact
- Weber Shandwick
- Fox Court
- 14 Gray's Inn Road
- London, WC1X 8WS
- United Kingdom
- T: 44 20 7067 0000
External Resources
- ^ O'Dwyers PR Daily, "Weber Shandwick Gudes Nuke Deal", February 6, 2006. - requires subscription
- Antony Barnett, Ned Temko and Gaby Hinsliff, "Lobbying firm linked to academies row", The Observer, April 23, 2006
- ^ P. Simpson (2002)WSW Picks Up BNFL Public Affairs Work, PR Week, 22 April
- ^ NewBuild Proposal, Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 16, 2004.
- ^ Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 24, 2004.
- ^ Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, April 13, 2005.
Resources
Notes
- ↑ PR Week, “Madeleine, Mills and M&A Madness,” December 14, 2007, p23
- ↑ Paying to be propagandised, Chris Grimshaw, Corporate Watch, 10 October 2006
- ↑ "Weber Shandwick Gudes Nuke Deal"O'Dwyers PR Daily, February 6, 2006. - requires subscription
- ↑ APPC register, to Nov 2008, accessed Feb 2009
- ↑ Government accused of U-turn on nuclear energy, Independent, 5 November 2001
- ↑ BBC News, 24 May 2007
- ↑ NewBuild Proposal, Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 16, 2004
- ↑ NewBuild Proposal, Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 16, 2004
- ↑ The Case for Nuclear, Email Sent from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, December 15, 2004
- ↑ Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, September 24, 2004.
- ↑ Email from Weber Shandwick to BNFL, April 13, 2005.
- ↑ APPC register, to Nov 2008, accessed Feb 2009
