Moore Backs Fairtrade Fortnight (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Moore Backs Fairtrade Fortnight

February 15, 2010 10:56 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Borders MP Michael Moore is encouraging all of his constituents to consider taking part in 'The Big Swap' and support Fairtrade Fortnight 2010. This year's event will run from 22 February until 7 March.

Mr Moore is a long-standing supporter of the Fairtrade scheme, which ensures that producers in developing countries are paid a minimum guaranteed price for their goods. In return, producers agree to maintain employment and environmental standards.Michael Moore MP: Borders

In the past, Mr Moore has pressed Ministers to ensure that Fairtrade alternatives are available at catering facilities within Government departments. He is also campaigning for official merchandise at the London 2012 Olympics to carry the Fairtrade mark.

During this year's event, organisers want people to change their shopping habits and swap to Fairtrade products where they are available. Mr Moore has tabled a Parliamentary motion in support of Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 and is encouraging all of his constituents to consider taking part in 'The Big Swap'.

Commenting, he said:

'When the Fairtrade movement was founded, the only product available was a single chocolate bar. Since then, the range and availability of Fairtrade goods has grown to the extent that global Fairtrade sales reached £712 million in 2008.

'The way we choose to shop has a profound impact on the lives of people working within the developing world. By choosing Fairtrade we can help families and communities work their way out of poverty.

'These goods are available from shops all over the Borders and I would encourage all of my constituents to consider participating in this year's Fairtrade Fortnight.'

Notes:

The full text of Mr Moore's Early Day Motion is as follows:

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT 2010

That this House welcomes Fairtrade Fortnight from 22 February to 7 March 2010 and this year's Big Swap theme; commends the work of schools, churches and community groups across the country in promoting Fairtrade Fortnight; congratulates progress made by the Fairtrade Foundation in the UK with sales of Fairtrade products reaching £712 million in 2008; notes recent progress in bringing Fairtrade into the mainstream with significant brand names, including KitKat, Dairy Milk, Tate and Lyle, Sainsburys and the Co-op, now exclusively sourcing Fairtrade-certified chocolate, sugar, tea and coffee; and calls on all relevant UK businesses to follow the example of these industry leaders, and to procure relevant goods from Fairtrade-certified sources.