Wokingham Lib Dem Leader Tells National Lib Dem Conference About Proposals for a Fairtrade Zone (Wokingham Liberal Democrats)

Wokingham Liberal Democrats <info@wokinghamlibdems.org.uk>

Wokingham Lib Dem Leader Tells National Lib Dem Conference About Proposals for a Fairtrade Zone

September 25, 2006 12:00 AM

At the Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference in Brighton last week, Councillor Prue Bray (Leader of the Wokingham District Lib Dem Councillor Group and Councillor for Winnersh ward) told delegates of her determination to get Fairtrade status for Wokingham district.

Councillor Bray told the Conference of the difficulties the Lib Dems had experienced in trying to persuade the Tories to seek Fairtrade status. She said, "I first proposed seeking Fairtrade status in January 2005, and we've been blocked by the Tories every time I raise the subject. Frank Browne (Tory leader of Wokingham District Council) wrote to me in May this year saying, 'I refuse to indulge in your petty political point scoring on this issue'.

"What does it say about the Tories, David Cameron's bright shiny huggable Tories: that the only reason they can see for supporting Fairtrade is to gain party political advantage?

"That's not why I support Fairtrade. I do it because, almost certainly like you, I believe it is immoral for the rich to exploit the poor. I am absolutely determined that we will get Fairtrade status in the end. I wish those of you who are campaigning for it in your local area better luck than we have had. Don't give up - we won't."

Her speech was enthusiastically applauded by the Conference, which attracted nearly 6,000 delegates. Councillor Bray said that many people spoke to her after her speech wishing her well in her campaign.