Beith and Liberal Democrats support Fair Trade Fortnight

11.46.02am GMT Wed 28th Feb 2007

Alan Beith MP and Liberal Democrats in Alnwick and Berwick have welcomed Fairtrade Fortnight and reaffirmed their commitment to making Alnwick and Berwick both Fairtrade towns.

The Liberal Democrats' office in Alnwick, which is also used by Alan Beith MP, is one of the many businesses to make a commitment to using only fair trade products last year.

In Alnwick, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Heather Cairns said,

"I'm proud of the fact that Alnwick is working to become a Fairtrade Town.

"The Fairtrade Mark guarantees a fair and stable price to farmers in developing countries, it also guarantees consumers a top-quality and environmentally-friendly product. It is such a simple and direct way to make a big difference to the lives of poor families in developing countries.

"It's better to help people support themselves through trade than handouts from the government. Fairtrade is a hand-up, not a handout."

Cllr Liz Breckons, Leader of the Lib Dem Group in Berwick Borough, added,

"Berwick Borough Council should set a target of achieving Fairtrade status this year.

"We are keeping up the pressure on the Conservative executive to ensure that Berwick becomes a Fairtrade Town. We want to make Berwick fairer and greener."

Alan Beith MP added

"As not only an MP but as a consumer I acknowledge how much the Fairtrade mark has done so far, and that is why I have signed a parliamentary motion urging one set of standards across all products that consumers can have confidence in and that will help us make better and more informed decisions as consumers."

To become a Fairtrade Town, 5 goals must be met:

· The local council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens;

· A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area's shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments (targets are set in relation to population);

· Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local work places (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc);

· Attract media coverage and popular support for the campaign;

· A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.