The grim reaper visited Hendon Town Hall during a protest over Barnet Borough Council’s “unethical” pension funds.

Barnet Green Party members lay down outside the building during the “die-in” last night, held to campaign for the pension fund committee to swap holdings in tobacco manufacturers and fossil fuel companies for more “ethical” stocks.

A M Poppy, Green parliamentary candidate for Chipping Barnet, said: “I would like to see the council pensions fund invest in things that could help a more sustainable Barnet, instead of fuelling wars elsewhere and helping companies pedlling killer products such as tobacco.

“There are a variety of ethical funds which could help create jobs in Barnet, such as putting solar panels on roof. They should put it in ethical funds or invest in jobs in Barnet.”

A spokesman for Barnet Council said: “The council has a legal duty to secure the best possible financial outcomes for the pension fund and to minimise costs for council tax payers.

“Day-to-day investment decisions are delegated to fund managers who select and hold stocks they believe will add value and diversification to the portfolio.”