World Fair Trade Day 2019

Alan Brown MP pledges support for the International Fair Trade Charter and celebrates on World Fair Trade Day

The MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun has joined other Scottish MPs in their public support for the International Fair Trade Charter and officially pledged his support on World Fair Trade Day 2019.

The Charter lays out the purpose and aims of Fair Trade as agreed by the two largest global Fair Trade organisations, the World Fair Trade Organisation and Fairtrade International.

The new document lays out the unique approach, achievements and impacts of fair trade and illustrates how inclusive economic growth, fair wages and better working conditions can be achieved while empowering women and ensuring opportunities for the next generation.

Commenting, Alan Brown MP said: “I am delighted to pledge my support once again for the International Fair Trade Charter.

“We currently live in a world where the richest 1% own more wealth than the rest of the world combined – that is absurd on so many levels.

“Fair Trade is based on modes of production and trading that put people and planet before financial profit. For too long big businesses have been reaping the rewards out of exploitation and that is why this Charter is a massive step in the right direction to eradicating this.

“I’d like to pay tribute to my local East Ayrshire Fair Trade Group, namely Charles Sim, for the excellent work these guys carry out on a daily basis. I have supported many of their initiatives in the past and I will continue to do this.

“We all have the same objective, a more equal and prosperous future for the world we live in.”

Charles Sim, Chair of the East Ayrshire Fair Trade Steering Group said: “I commend Alan Brown MP for pledging to support the Fair Trade Charter and showing his continued support for the Fair Trade movement.

“We hope this good example will encourage others to follow suit as the support of elected representatives is essential to achieve the ambitious goals of the Fair Trade movement.

“Recognition of the Charter can be a crucial contribution on our way to a future where trade is fair and consumers get a good deal at no cost to the quality of life of producers.”

To achieve the ambitious goals laid out by the Charter, the support of more elected representatives, local authorities and public bodies is needed. This way, we can achieve changes in public policy and involve citizens, which is instrumental to building a fair world and raising awareness of these important issues within Scottish communities.

If you or your organisation are interested in more information about pledging your support for the Charter, please contact us through www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk.

For more information on the Charter, visit www.fair-trade.website.