Make the UK a Fairtrade country

THE UK should be the world&#039s first Fairtrade country according to a delegate to the Co-op Party conference. During a debate on how to promote Fairtrade products further,...

THE UK should be the world&#039s first Fairtrade country according to a delegate to the Co-op Party conference.
During a debate on how to promote Fairtrade products further, Peter Smith, from the Co-op Group Scottish Party, called for the UK to launch a Fairtrade status bid.
Mr Smith, who was seconding a motion calling for the Party to start a major campaign urging towns and cities to apply for Fairtrade status, told delegates to go one step further: "In Scotland we are currently pushing for Scottish MSPs to become a Fairtrade Parliament. Why stop there? In a few years I want us to aim high and promote a Fairtrade status for the UK."
To achieve that status the majority of stores in the UK must sell Fairtrade goods and the UK must have its own Fairtrade guide.
During the debate all Fairtrade motions were carried, which called for the Party to work with the Fairtrade Foundation to highlight the contribution co-operatives make in Fairtrade.
Delegates also said the Government should introduce a favourable tariff regime for products, thereby bringing down the costs and encouraging more customers to opt for them.
It also voted for all Co-op Party conferences and events to have Fairtrade tea and coffee available.
Tony Right, putting forward one of the motions for the South and West Essex Party, told delegates: "People say why should I join the Co-op? This is the reason, Fairtrade."

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