Local Euro MP Fiona Hall backs trade justice campaign

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Apr 2009

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for North East England this week backed campaigners' calls for Europe to change its policy on trade deals that are bad for developing countries and for the environment.

Fiona has signed a pledge brought to her by members of the East Cleveland World Development Movement Group (WDM). They are campaigning with the Trade Justice Movement to stop the EU pushing unfair trade deals onto some of the poorest countries.

Andy Welford from WDM said:

"It's very encouraging that Fiona Hall has pledged to support our campaign to put an end to unfair trade deals. Europe is trying to negotiate trade deals that will hurt people and the environment in developing countries. It's vital that this is stopped and that the needs of the poorest people are put first."

Fiona said:

"I believe that Europe should make development, environmental sustainability and human rights in poor countries a priority and that is why I fully back and support this campaign."

Campaigners claim new EU trade deals will stop developing countries from being able to protect local food production and key natural resources like forests from the worst excesses of the market. The deals could lead to more dumping of European products on developing countries - putting farmers and home grown industries out of business. The Trade Justice Movement is calling on the European Commission to review Europe's trade strategy and place the interests of the world's poorest countries ahead of profits for Europe's biggest companies.