Bruce backs Fairtrade fortnight in Parliament (BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats)

BANFFSHIRE and BUCHAN COAST Liberal Democrats <info@banffandbuchanlibdems.org.uk>

Bruce backs Fairtrade fortnight in Parliament

February 17, 2010 7:00 PM
Originally published by The Rt Hon Malcolm Bruce MP

Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce is lending his support to "The Big Swap" and Fairtrade Fortnight and is encouraging his constituents to take part. This year's event will run from 22 February until 7 March.

Mr Bruce 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.

As chairman of the Parliamentary International Development Committee, Mr Bruce has supported the work of the Fairtrade Foundation in assisting producers in developing countries. He oversaw the publication of the committee's 2007 report on Fair trade which encouraged retailers to implement a labelling scheme identifying how much individual producers would receive from the sale of their products.

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

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."

"How we shop has a significant impact on the lives of people working within the developing world. By choosing Fairtrade we directly assist families and communities in their struggle out of poverty."

"The North East has played its part in supporting Fairtrade and in recent years, I've been proud to see Aberdeen, Ellon, Inverurie and Mid-Formantine all achieve Fairtrade status."

"Fairtrade products are available from many shops and I encourage all constituents to take part in this year's Fairtrade Fortnight."