Fairtrade is a great model (From Lancaster And Morecambe Citizen)

Fairtrade is a great model

8:27am Wednesday 23rd April 2008

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GREGG Beaman of UKIP is correct when he writes in the Citizen that it is hypocritical of the Lib-Lab-Con groups to cry over post office closures.

The present economic system is based on maximising profit before considering the social or ecological effects of policies, such as post office closures.

The Green Party would further agree that much of the EU agenda is purely that of supporting big business, big banking and jobs for the boys. But there the agreement ends.

Greens completely disagree with UKIP's solution that we need even more free trade - that is a recipe for more financial turmoil and a decline in the advances made over the last 100 years through the provision of public services.

The idea that education, health care and other public services should continue to be privatised and the less well off left to depend on the charity of the wealthy cannot be the basis of a mature society.

Mr Beaman also suggests that Fairtrade is an emotive name to misguide well-meaning people'. The Green Party agrees it is not faultless but it is an excellent model that puts ethical values above profit, maximises co-operation between producers and consumers, creates income security for the world's most vulnerable and provides dignity where none previously existed.

Gina Dowding, Green Party prospective Parliamentary candidate.

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