Stunell meets local residents in Parliament to Make Poverty History

6.26.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 2nd Nov 2005

Andrew Stunell MP with Marple Trade Justice Campaigners

Today, local MP, Andrew Stunell joined Marple trade justice campaigners in calling for the Government to make poverty history through fair trade at the upcoming World Trade Organisation talks this December.

Marple Bridge resident, Rev. Graham Hawley said:

"We have come to Parliament today to remind the Government that there are millions of people across the country who want to see fair trade for developing countries and to make poverty history.

"The G8 meeting didn't deliver on trade justice. We want to see real change for developing countries. Making trade fair is the only way poor countries will be able to work their way out of poverty."

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell MP added:

"This is the year to make poverty history. The gap between the world's rich and poor is shamefully wide. Many local residents want to see fairer trade for poor countries, and the end of poverty. This lobby of MPs sends a powerful signal to the Government to do more to help.

"World trade rules currently work in favour of richer countries and prevent poor countries from working their way out of poverty. We have a chance to make the rules fairer at the World Trade Organisation talks this December."

Marple resident, Pauline Howell summarised:

"We are calling on the Government to keep the promises they made in their manifesto and in the Africa Report; to drop the debt developing countries face, increase aid to 0.7% of the GNP and to make trade fair." ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Photographs of the Marple Trade Justice Campaigners meeting Andrew Stunell in Parliament are available from Jane Allen, 0207 2195223.

2. More details about the Make Poverty History campaign can be found at www.makepovertyhistory.org