London Boroughs urged to support Fairtrade City Campaign

In a significant move, an unanimously agreed motion was passed by the London Assembly, urging all 33 London Boroughs to support the Fairtrade City campaign by passing or renewing a Fairtrade resolution. The motion also calls on the GLA and the GLA Group to commit to working with catering contractors, staff, residents, visitors, businesses, the public and voluntary sector to increase the availability of Fairtrade products. 
 

The full text of the motion agreed at the meeting reads as follows: The Assembly notes that the London Fairtrade Steering Group and the London Boroughs have thanked the Greater London Authority for its active support since Fairtrade City status was achieved five years ago on 26 October 2008. The Group also acknowledged with appreciation, the GLA’s help in contributing to the renewal of its Fairtrade City status in 2013.

Given the Assembly’s proactive role in leading this Fairtrade City since passing its previous resolution of support for Fairtrade on 13 March 2007, the Assembly reconfirms its commitment to Fairtrade. It expresses its support for the use, expansion and promotion of the range of Fairtrade products in City Hall and other GLA establishments. It recommends that the GLA commits to working with its catering contractors, staff, residents, visitors, businesses, the public and the voluntary sectors to increase the availability and take up of Fairtrade marked food, drink and clothing options. The Assembly congratulates the 25 London Boroughs that have already achieved Fairtrade Borough status and recognises the work of the whole community in achieving this. The Assembly urges all 33 London Boroughs to support the campaign by passing or renewing a Fairtrade resolution."

London leads the world in Fairtrade, being home to some of the most dynamic and pioneering Fairtrade companies, including Cafedirect, Divine, Liberation, Tropical Wholefoods, Zaytoun, People Tree and Pants to Poverty, and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games being the ‘fairest’ games ever, the Fairtrade Foundation reports. 

Fairtrade Foundation