Hounslow passes resolution to become Fairtrade borough

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Local campaigners meet with Chancellor

Hounslow Council passed a resolution this week committing the borough to becoming a 'Fairtrade Borough'. The Council's vote, which took place on 24 January 2006, was unanimously supported by members of all parties.

Members of Chiswick Churches for Trade Justice together with Ann Keen MP and the Leader of Hounslow Council, Cllr Ellar, were invited to the House of Commons on Thursday 26th January to met with Chancellor Gordon Brown.

The group attended Treasury Questions, where issues of trade and development were raised, and met with the Chancellor afterwards.

The Chancellor congratulated the Borough of Hounslow on passing the motion committed to fairtrade. Gordon Brown said “I had the honour to speak with Nelson Mandela last week who asked me to thank the people in the UK who are campaigning to keep fairtrade at the top of the international agenda.”

Fairtrade campaigners presented the Chancellor with a fairtrade cotton blanket as a congratulatory gift on the news that Mr Brown and his wife Sarah are expecting their second child in July.  Simon Rodway, Chair of Chiswick Churches for Trade Justice said "We are indebted to the Chancellor and grateful to him for his support for our campaign, and we thank Ann for all her hard work within her constituency on this important issue." ...."

Ann Keen said “This event has been a great opportunity to thank and encourage all those who are working so hard to ensure that Hounslow achieves fairtrade status. I look forward to continuing the campaign in the coming months.”

Councillor Colin Ellar said "Hounslow will in the near future become a fairtrade borough. We thank all of those who have supported the campaign, from faith groups and my own staff. Our actions in this borough will ensure a more stable future for families in the developing world."

To be awarded Fairtrade status, Hounslow Borough must achieve the following five goals:

1. The Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens.

2. 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).

3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local workplaces (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc).

4. The council must attract popular support for the campaign.

5. A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Borough status.

January 30, 2006