Making Islington a Fairtrade borough

2.30.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Aug 2004

Liberal Democrats on Islington Council have this week launched a joint project with local campaigners to make Islington a 'fair trade' borough.

The first meeting of the 'Islington Fairtrade borough steering group' took place last Thursday (19th August). Leading Liberal Democrats met with activists to discuss the Council's role in making Islington a fair trade borough and the next steps to encourage other local businesses and groups to support the campaign.

Liberal Democrat-run Islington has already started the ball rolling by passing a motion at Council supporting the move towards 'Fairtrade' borough status. Since then the Council has switched to only using Fairtrade products at its meetings and in its offices. The next stage of the campaign is to encourage local businesses to switch to Fairtrade products and raise awareness among local residents of the products.

Liberal Democrat councillor Bridget Fox, said:

"Fairtrade products mean a fair price for workers in the developing world who supply us day in and day out with the products we take for granted.

"Islington's Lib Dem council has taken the lead on switching to Fairtrade products and I hope this example will now be followed by other groups and businesses in Islington.

"The launch of the Fairtarde steering group is a major step forward in helping us win Fairtrade status for the whole borough and fairness for people in the developing world who so desperately need it."