The FCA have issued a note from the Pre-Emption Group giving some revised "principles" to be followed by public companies. As the note says "Pre-emption rights are a cornerstone of UK company law and provide shareholders with protection against dilution of their investments". In general UK companies cannot issue more shares without the approval of shareholders, which is why on most Annual General Meeting agendas you see two linked resolutions that permit allotment of new shares and a partial disapplication of ...