UNA TWICKENHAM AND RICHMOND
POLICY
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Fairtrade in the Borough of Richmond
www.richmond.gov.uk/fairtrade
Fairtrade is one of the fastest growing sections of the market with year on year growth currently around 40 % and now more than 1500 different products. This is very encouraging since if goods carry the Fairtrade label it means the producers get a fair return for their labour and in addition a ‘social premium’ goes to the community as a whole to help improve local facilities. Lots more information is available from the Fairtrade Foundation on www.fairtrade.org.uk or T 020 7405 5942.
One way of promoting Fairtrade locally is the idea of Fairtrade Status for towns, boroughs and cities. Richmond upon Thames has been granted Fairtrade Status by The Fairtrade Foundation with a ceremony marking this at York House on 13th July 2006.
What is a Fairtrade Borough?
To get Fairtrade Status there are 5 goals that need to be met. Richmond Fairtrade Steering Group, RFSG, was formed to achieve these goals. The process of meeting the goals gets more people involved and raises awareness of the wider issue of trade justice and the need for a fairer world. The goals are:
1. Setting up a steering group to sustain momentum.
Achieved in May 2005 - Richmond Fairtrade Steering Group.
2. Obtaining Local Authority backing with a resolution in support of Fairtrade passed by the Council. Achieved in July 2005.
3. Fairtrade products available in shops and cafes – the number will depend on the population.
RFST produces a directory of shops and cafes in the borough which supply two or more Fairtrade products – available on www.richenvironment.org.uk or contact us on T 020 8891 7993.
4. Fairtrade products are available to staff, volunteers and users of workplaces, community organisations, churches and schools.
Some high profile organisations like Kew Gardens and the National Archives in Kew use Fairtrade products and more than half the churches in the borough. A number of schools have had Fairtrade assemblies and other events. RFSG is currently contacting small businesses in the borough.
5. Media coverage and popular support for the campaign.
Progress: Nationwide over 50% of the population recognise the Fairtrade Mark but experience at stalls in Richmond suggests the percentage is higher in this area. Some very positive media coverage.
Being granted the certificate is not the end of the matter. The steering group continues to work for the greater availabilty of Fairtrade products in the borough's shops, cafes and businesses and for greater awareness of Fairtrade among the public and in the schools.
Do we need nuclear weapons? Representatives from Twickenham and Richmond branch of the United Nations Association (TRUNA) met MP Dr Vincent Cable, just prior to the parliamentary vote in March 2007, to discuss the proposed replacement of Britain’s Trident nuclear weapons system.
Much of the discussion centred on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) – an international agreement which came into force in 1970. Britain was one of five states that had already acquired nuclear weapons by that stage, and states without nuclear weapons agreed not to acquire them on condition that those with such weapons agreed to disarm. Conclusive negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament were required to take place “at an early date” and yet 37 years later the British Government is committing us to a renewed system.
Dr Cable was generally sympathetic to the views of TRUNA members and feels that the renewal of the British nuclear weapons system undermines the spirit of the NPT, particularly at this time when the international community is trying to influence Iran against acquiring its own nuclear weapon. Liberal Democrat policy is to delay making a decision on Trident replacement until about 2014. There is no need to start the replacement process yet and the decision is being rushed through because of short-term political considerations. To delay shows to the world a commitment to the principles of the NPT and Dr Cable believes that the UK should take a lead in pushing forward the disarmament process by convening a meeting of the Nuclear Weapons States and actively pursuing multilateral negotiations leading to the elimination of all nuclear arsenals.
The 59% of the British public who oppose the replacement of Trident (ICM poll July 2006) can take some encouragement from the fact that even though Parliament has since voted in favour of Trident replacement, the main submarine construction will not start for at least five years so it is still worth campaigning to prevent the world from becoming a much more dangerous place (which it inevitably will be if all countries follow Britain’s example in asserting that nuclear weapons are essential for “security”).
Hilary Evans
What can UN Association members and individuals do to help?
First, of course buy Fairtrade products if available and if they are not available in your local shops encourage the shop owner or manager to consider stocking some Fairtrade items.
Second if you would like to be kept in touch with progress towards Fairtrade Status in Richmond contact us at policyunit@richmond.gov.uk and ask to be put on the list to receive a brief monthly update.
Richmond Fairtrade Steering Group meets monthly, usually on the third Wednesday in the month. It’s a flexible group and it’s very much up to the individual as to how much time they have and whether or not they want to be actively involved or just take part in occasional events. New members always welcome. To join the steering group or for further information on speakers and events contact us by email to policyunit@richmond.gov.uk or on 020 8891 7993