Let’s get together, says campaigner

Erin Brockovich rounded off the conference with an inspirational speech about her victories as an environmental campaigner.

Brockovich told a packed auditorium that she had not come to “stir the pot” by taking up issues against insurers.

Instead, she said the industry should work towards creating and using products to serve humanity and the common good.

Brockovich said the victory in her case against the California-based Pacific Gas and Electric over water pollution – made famous in a film in which she was played by Julia Roberts – cost the company about $1bn in legal fees and compensation.

The American, who was making her first visit to the UK, ended the conference by admitting that she was considering a career in politics.