Matt Whittles and I, as the co-founders of Liberal Democrat Fairtrade Future (LDFF), are delighted to announce that we’re awarding our first ever MP of the Year award to Michael Moore, the MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk.
We’re awarding him this honour in recognition of all of the hard work he’s put in to his Private Members Bill – currently working its way through Parliament – which will enshrine into law the UK’s promise to spend 0.7% of the UK’s gross national income on International Aid.
We couldn’t be more proud that it is a Lib Dem MP who has brought this Bill before Parliament and we fervently hope it gets signed on to the Statute Books.
In nominating Michael Moore, the Party President Tim Farron MP, one of the Patrons of LDFF, says,
Michael is a fantastic MP and a wonderful Champion for his constituency. But, with this Bill, he has stood up for millions more, millions without a voice. Michael’s Bill is the best of liberalism – putting opportunity and fairness at the heart of government policy.
I am proud to call him my colleague and friend and honoured to nominate him as LDFF’s MP of the Year.
One of our founding aims is to ‘seek to participate in the wider international Fairtrade movement,’ and to engage positively with other efforts to ensure a fairer deal for people living and working in Developing nations. Michael Moore’s Bill seeks to do exactly that and we at LDFF give him our full support.
We’re proud to make him our first ever MP of the Year!
You can find out more about LDFF on Twitter at: @LDFairtrade, on Facebook and by e-mailing [email protected]
* Mathew Hulbert is a former Councillor, is a regular commentator on TV and Radio, and is Co-Host of the Political Frenemies podcast.
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9 Comments
Its a real shame this is Lib Dem Fairtrade future and not Lib Dem fair-trade future so as to represent the fair- trade movement in general and not just Fairtrade the brand which although admittedly does some good work, it also excludes a number of fair-trade products from retailers which are just as ethically sourced/produced. There is also evidence to suggest Fairtrade in its agreements with the Global South keep suppliers in perpetual poverty not allowing them to grow their businesses or risk loosing Fairtrade certification. There seems to be a lot of haze between Fairtrade and the fair-trade movement.
Yet another LibDem who’s word can’t be trusted, broke his pledge on tuition fees by voting very stongly to raise them. Doesn’t really matter what else he’s done, he’s not told the truth to the people who voted for him and the people of Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk know that. Looks like a Tory gain to me.
Actually, this is a very good thing.
There needs to be greater recognition of what MPs are doing to promote fairer trade and in particular championing the cause of workers in developing countries.
Admittedly Fairtrade is not the solution in itself but only part of a remedy to eradicate global poverty. But it is one mighty step in the right direction. It’s also been absolutely pivotal in informing and educating about the conditions in which people live and work, and in highlighting the urgency of action that has been – in all honesty – overdue by decades.
Michael Moore, and Tim Farron for that matter, have long campaigned on many of the issues Fairtrade has raised. At the heart of their work has undeniably been a motivation to deliver greater fairness and opportunity. I am pleased not only that Michael has been given this award, but that such an award now exists. It puts fair trade on the political calendar and should go some way to further emphasising the importance of imminent action.
As for there being “a lot of haze between Fairtrade and the fair-trade movement” that is indeed a valid point, and something that can (and, I am sure, will) be rectified by ongoing conversation between the advocates of Fairtrade and fair-trade. Certainly, the way Fairtrade works in practice must constantly be reviewed and revistied – but I see no reason that to be supportive of the aims of LD Fairtrade Future or the creation of this new award.
What Malc said.
“Doesn’t really matter what else he’s done,”
Sorry, are you saying saving lives is not an issue?
There are in fact some much bigger and important issues than how education is funded for people over the age of 18 years of age.
I’m saying he will lose his seat because voters can no longer believe what he says.
This PMB is all a bit “worthy” and Westminster Bubbly is it not?
The example of quick and effective help on Ebola from hundreds of Cuban doctors and nurses puts our government’s efforts to shame.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/dec/03/cuba-global-medical-record-shames-us-blockade-ebola
50,000 Cuban medics working in 60 different countries is very impressive to say the least.
Maybe our government should just hand over our international aid budget to Havana,?
The world might get better value for money that way whatever level our aid budget is set at.
Those interested in a bottom up approach to fair trade could tap into Just Change- The cooperative or any other Just Change web site.
Just Change goes beyond the Fairtrade initiative
Sorry- just tap in Just Change and then, Just Change- the co-o perative, otherwise you will get a lot of information about the Cooperative movement.