Written question asked by Lord Lee of Trafford (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. It was answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 May 2025 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Public Companies: Meetings

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the entitlement of a shareholder to choose whether to attend public company annual general meetings in person or digitally.

Answer: It is clear that the use of digital or “virtual” platforms can provide benefits to both companies and shareholders in the context of annual general meetings and indeed “hybrid” meetings, which provide a combination of physical and virtual access, are already relatively commonplace. While the Government committed last Autumn to clarifying the law around wholly virtual general meetings, we fully recognise the importance of shareholder rights. Therefore, the appropriate safeguards will be considered as part of any legislative changes. My officials will continue to develop this policy and work towards a position that balances the interests of all relevant stakeholders.

Secondary information