Manchester development campaigners from Cafod, Christian Aid and World Development Movement, balloted city Councillors to get a just trade deal for the world's poor. The action was facilitated by Councillor Sue Murphy, Chair of the Fairtrade Manchester steering group, who had visited the Trade Justice stall in the pre-Christmas farmers' market and saw the coincidence of their campaigns.
A majority of the councillors, Labour and Lib Dem, voted positively and the endorsement of the campaign enables the Trade Justice group to reassure the party faithful of the acceptability of the campaign as it seeks to "support" politicians doing good and to "develop" them where they need further guidance.
Manchester Trade Justice have built links with local politicians and hope to further involve them in future actions relating to topics to be addressed this year by the umbrella Make Poverty History campaign.
Stephen Pennells, of Manchester Trade Justice, said, "It's good that Manchester's councillors meet across party divisions to champion the poor. Although Manchester has a 'Free Trade' history, its leaders realise that, nowadays, developing economies should not simply be ripped open to 'Free Trade' piracy where the rich and powerful can plunder for their own selfish ends. Successful developing nations such as India, China and Brazil have developed their own economic bases behind measured and careful protection; just as Europe, the US and Japan did earlier. We just want justice, so that poor nations in our times of unparalleled global wealth can do the same without being bullied by the rich."
Stephen Pennells, Manchester Trade Justice Movement (pennells@fish.co.uk)
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