Lib Dems back "Fair Trade Borough" move

Brentwood Liberal Democrats are delighted to give their full support to Brentwood Borough Council's motion to back Fairtrade. A steering group has been set up by ethically conscious Brentwood citizens and we look forward to working alongside them in the future to secure Brentwood's status as a Fairtrade borough.

Liberal Democrats have always had a strong record on trade issues. This includes persuading authorities and individuals to buy fairly traded goods lobbying on the international stage to improve the terms of trade between nations.

Brentwood North Lib Dem councillor Ross Carter commented:

"The simple decision to buy products with a Fair Trade mark can have a huge impact, guaranteeing that growers and workers benefit from fairer wages and better working conditions, and can make a crucial different to their ability to provide for the basic needs of their families. Local faith groups have led the way in standing up for this worthy cause, and this is excellent news for Brentwood. We can and must do our bit! Starbucks have recently announced they are to use only fair-trade coffee so there is no excuse!"

"We look forward to working with the steering group to come up with innovative proposals to support Fairtrade in Brentwood."

To gain Fairtrade Borough status the Council has had to work towards five goals, the first of which is local authority support which was achieved by Wednesday's council motion. The other objectives were for the Council to offer fair-trade products, fair-trade products to be used by a number of local workplaces, to attract media coverage for fair-trade and to setup a fair-trade steering group.