Lib Dems back Fair Trade
Liberal Democrats have been at the forefront of campaigning on trade issues. This includes (a) persuading authorities and individuals to buy fairly traded goods and (b) lobbying on the international stage to improve the terms of trade between nations.
(a) Fair Trade in Chelmsford
A steering group was set up in Chelmsford in early 2003. On 19 November 2003 Lib Dem Councillor Phil Harvey proposed a motion to Chelmsford Borough Council calling on the council to back Fair Trade, which gained cross-party support.
The Fairtrade Foundation exists to improve the position of poor and marginalised producers in the developing world. http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/
Chelmsford Fair Trade Campaign: http://www.chelmsfordfairtrade.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
(b) Lobbying for fair trade between nations
Oxfam relaunched their Make Trade Fair campaign in Chelmsford on 15 July 2006. Local Lib Dem Stephen Robinson joined others handing out pledge cards calling on Tony Blair to be a Hero not a Zero - and stick to his 2005 pledges to trade deals that help people living in poverty. http://www.maketradefair.com/