Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The Blair aide behind two oil-linked disasters
Solomon Hughes on how Shell tried to downplay an oil spill which destroyed a Nigerian fishing industry for a generation

Earlier this month Shell finally announced an out-of-court settlement paying £55 million to 15,000 Nigerian fishermen and their community in compensation for a massive oil spill which destroyed their fishing industry for a generation.

Shell admitted liability for the oil spill in 2011, but has been arguing about the size of the spill and the compensation for years. Martin Day of the fishermen’s lawyers Leigh Day welcomed the settlement but said it was “deeply disappointing” that Shell took so long to agree the payment.

In September 2013, Shell met the fishermen directly but, their lawyers said, the fishermen rejected an offer that was “derisory and insulting.”


 

Tories in convenient places



The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Virtual Reality [Pic: Remy Gieling / Creative Commons]
War Industry / 4 September 2026
4 September 2026

Nick Blair is set to benefit from a hugely lucrative contract to ‘virtually’ train the British army for its next war. Like father, like son, writes SOLOMON HUGHES 

HOUSING
Labour leadership / 3 August 2026
3 August 2026

The new PM may offer more of the same, but early signs on his housing policies look promising, says GLYNN ROBBINS

TORY HIGH SOCIETY:  Sir John Ritblat
Features / 19 September 2025
19 September 2025

It is rather strange that Labour continues to give prestigious roles to inappropriate, controversy-mired businessmen who are also major Tory donors. What could Labour possibly be hoping to get out of it, asks SOLOMON HUGHES