Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined Basildon Borough’s Fairtrade Group
last week in the Eastgate Centre to pledge his support for Fairtrade Fortnight.
Fairtrade Fortnight saw the
Basildon Fairtrade Steering Group come together to raise awareness of their
cause and promote the consumption of ethically sourced goods. This year’s focus
was on the fair trade of bananas which, as it currently stands is anything but
fair. Mr Metcalfe signed a petition to change this and is encouraging his
constituents to do likewise.
He said: “In an increasingly
interconnected and interdependent world, it has never been so important to
ensure that the things we consume in the UK are produced ethically and
sustainably. I would encourage anyone interested in achieving this aim to take
a small step and sign the petition to make bananas fair.”
Basildon Borough was granted
Fairtrade status in 2011 when enough shops and businesses in the local area
expressed their support and joined the Council in promoting the importance of
ethical trading.
The status
is due for review in April and the local MP is keen to see it renewed. He
joined the Fairtrade Group at their promotional stand last Sunday to help champion their message and encourage
local passersby to do the same.
Mr Metcalfe added: “It is
fantastic to have a group of people in the Borough who are committed to seeing
Fairtrade flourish in the area. I fully support the work they are doing and
have no doubt that it will pay off when Basildon’s Fairtrade status is reviewed
next month.”
To sign the petition to make
bananas fair, please visit: http://foncho.fairtrade.org.uk/
