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MP MEETS DELEGATION OF CONSTITUENTS TO DISCUSS THE TRADE JUSTICE MOVEMENT

Coventry North East MP, Bob Ainsworth met with a delegation of constituents on 2 November 2005 during the Trade Justice Movement (part of Make Poverty History) lobby of Parliament.

Among those who attended the lobby was Reverend Mike Cleveland. Reverend Cleveland raised a number of issues with Bob Ainsworth who agreed in turn raise them with Ministers on his behalf.

The Trade Justice Movement is asking the Government to stop forced liberalisation (cutting trade tariffs), which for developing countries runs risks – dislocation, job losses and income volatility – especially if done too quickly. The movement focuses on four key concerns in respect of forced liberalisation:

1. Stop pushing poor countries to open their economies through world trade talks
2. Respect poor countries’ right to decide on trade policies to help end poverty and protect their environment
3. Allow developing countries to shape trade policies that protect vulnerable farm sectors and promote national industries
4. Allow countries to choose the best policies for poor people and the environment in services such as water, health and education

The Government agrees with all four key concerns. Opposing forced liberalisation is one of Labour’s priorities on trade along with ensuring open access to developed markets for the poorest countries, cuts to First-World subsidies that hit the world’s poor and an end to export subsidies by 2010.

Bob Ainsworth said:

“This is not only an issue of morality, but it is in our own self interests to develop fair trade with the rest of the world”.