Co-op's Discriminatory Will-Writing Service Sparks Outrage: "I Was Born in Russia"
A British consumer has taken the Co-operative Food (Co-op) to task for refusing to provide a will-writing service, citing their Russian birthplace as the reason. The 39-year-old woman, AK, had approached the store to update her existing will with her partner and daughter as beneficiaries. However, two months later, she received a cancellation notice stating that her request was invalid due to her country of origin.
In an astonishing turn of events, the Co-op advised AK to produce proof of renouncing her Russian citizenship, a document she claimed had been revoked over 20 years ago. Despite having dual British and German nationality, the store deemed it necessary for their "specialist legal advice" to instruct them not to provide services to anyone born in Russia.
The situation raises questions about the lawfulness of such discriminatory practices. The UK government guidance explicitly states that individuals connected to sanctioned regimes or those with ties to the Russian government will be prohibited from financial and legal services, unless they are on the designated list themselves.
However, AK argues that citizenship alone does not trigger sanctions, and her updated will would have benefited only her partner and daughter, who are neither Russian.
The Co-op's stance is rooted in a "no-risk" approach to comply with Russia regulations. The company claims it must conduct due diligence to avoid serious consequences for its business.
Critics argue that demanding proof of citizenship revocation is an unfair burden on customers, especially considering the UK government's clear guidelines on sanctions and financial restrictions.
The case highlights the need for companies to strike a balance between complying with regulations and respecting individual rights. As one expert noted, "It's unpalatable that you should pay a price because of your birth location."
A British consumer has taken the Co-operative Food (Co-op) to task for refusing to provide a will-writing service, citing their Russian birthplace as the reason. The 39-year-old woman, AK, had approached the store to update her existing will with her partner and daughter as beneficiaries. However, two months later, she received a cancellation notice stating that her request was invalid due to her country of origin.
In an astonishing turn of events, the Co-op advised AK to produce proof of renouncing her Russian citizenship, a document she claimed had been revoked over 20 years ago. Despite having dual British and German nationality, the store deemed it necessary for their "specialist legal advice" to instruct them not to provide services to anyone born in Russia.
The situation raises questions about the lawfulness of such discriminatory practices. The UK government guidance explicitly states that individuals connected to sanctioned regimes or those with ties to the Russian government will be prohibited from financial and legal services, unless they are on the designated list themselves.
However, AK argues that citizenship alone does not trigger sanctions, and her updated will would have benefited only her partner and daughter, who are neither Russian.
The Co-op's stance is rooted in a "no-risk" approach to comply with Russia regulations. The company claims it must conduct due diligence to avoid serious consequences for its business.
Critics argue that demanding proof of citizenship revocation is an unfair burden on customers, especially considering the UK government's clear guidelines on sanctions and financial restrictions.
The case highlights the need for companies to strike a balance between complying with regulations and respecting individual rights. As one expert noted, "It's unpalatable that you should pay a price because of your birth location."
This is just ridiculous! I mean, come on! A person born in Russia shouldn't be treated differently just because of their nationality? The Co-op needs to get its act together and figure out why they're being so discriminatory. It's not like AK was asking for a Russian passport or anything... 
. And now they're gonna make her jump through hoops? Like, what's next? They'll be asking people to prove they're not from a "bad" country just 'cause they were born there 
. It's like, she's not even involved with Russia anymore! This whole thing is just ridiculous 
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. AK didn't even ask for any special treatment, she just wanted to update her will - that's not a big ask! The Co-op should be worried about complying with laws, not creating drama out of this 
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and the Co-op is making her jump through hoops over her nationality 
. And what about all the people who are dual nationals or have different citizenships for different countries? Do they also get put through this stress? 
. Companies need to find a better way to balance rules and customer rights, because not everyone has had their passport revoked 20 years ago like AK did 
It's time for companies to get their act together and stop playing it so safe 
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