Lib Dem Frustration as "Fair Trade" Motion is Shelved Again
February 11, 2005 12:00 AM
Wokingham Liberal Democrats are frustrated that their motion calling for Wokingham district to be a "Fair Trade" zone has been shelved at the last two Wokingham District Council meetings.
Councillor Prue Bray (Deputy Leader of the Lib Dem Councillor Group and Councillor for Winnersh ward) said, "The Tories voted to end the last meeting in January just as the Fair Trade motion was to be debated. I am disappointed that we weren't able to make progress on this.
"I'm going to try again to get Fair Trade debated, but the first possible opportunity will be at our Council meeting on 17th March. I hope that this motion will raise awareness of how easy it is for everyone to help communities in poorer countries by trading fairly with them.
"I'm looking for all-party support for my motion. I've already had lots of messages backing it from people and organisations in the district. Now I've started a petition so that the Council can be in no doubt as to how strongly in favour of Fair Trade Wokingham district people are.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement. They can all be proud of their role in making Wokingham district a Fair Trade zone."
Fair Trade petition forms are available from Prue Bray (tel: 0118 989 4139).
FAIR TRADE MOTION SUBMITTED FOR DEBATE AT WOKINGHAM DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING ON THURSDAY 17TH MARCH 2005:
This Council recognises that it has a role to play in promoting ethical products and that it can do so by encouraging its own services to have such products available.
This Council therefore supports calls for Wokingham district to become a Fair Trade district and to that end will:
Encourage caterers to supply Fair Trade alternatives where possible
Ensure that Fair Trade coffee and tea is served at Council meetings
Encourage local retailers to stock and promote more Fair Trade products and will assist voluntary groups in the production of a Fair Trade guide highlighting where in Wokingham district Fair Trade goods are available
Give responsibility for promoting the Fair Trade district status to an Executive member and a named officer
Promote the above moves in the next Edition of Wokingham District News, including highlighting the need for Fair Trade
Request that the Council's Communications Dept promotes the Council's support for Fair Trade on a regular basis.
Proposed by Councillor Prue Bray, Deputy Leader of the Lib Dem Councillor Group and Ward Councillor for Winnersh
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats