21-July-2003

Alan Whitehead meets with Trade and Industry Minister to discuss trade justice.

Southampton MP Alan Whitehead last week met with Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt to call on the government to ensure that the September trade talks in Mexico deliver a better deal for developing nations and to pass on the views of hundreds of constituents about the need for a fairer system of international trade, following on from the recent Trade Justice Movement campaign.

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, says,
"Creating a fairer international trading system where developing nations can see their economy grow and poverty tackled must be a priority for all western governments. Following a lobby by Southampton residents and the receipt of hundreds of postcards, letters and e-mails, I made clear to the Secretary of State the feelings of local people that the government needs to do all that it can to put fair trade at the top of the international agenda and make things happen."

At the September talks the Government's agenda will be to cut world tariffs and subsidies - particularly in agriculture - to help poorer countries, and improve developing countries access to medicines. If tariffs in the developed and developing world were halved, developing countries would gain around $150 billion per year - three times what they get in aid. The number of people living in poverty would reduce by over 300 million by 2015.

Alan Whitehead, continues,
"If we do nothing to establish a level playing field for all nations we will have failed the poorest countries on earth. By cutting tariffs and subsidies developing countries would gain extra money to help develop their social fabric. The motion passed by Southampton City Council last week to kick start the campaign for Southampton to become a Fair Trade City is a welcome move in addressing this issue at a local level and can show how local people can help make a difference."

Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and Leader of the UK Trade delegation to Mexico in September, Patricia Hewitt said:

"For too long richer countries have dictated the terms of trade and this must change. In the upcoming trade talks I will take the views of Southampton onboard. I will push the Word Trade Organisation as hard as we can to get an agreement that works for developing countries."

ENDS

Notes to editors
- A photograph of Alan Whitehead meeting with Patricia Hewitt is available by calling Mike Collins on 023 8023 1942 or 07855 328914

Contacts
Mike Collins in the constituency office on 023 8023 1942 or 07855 328914
Alan Whitehead's London office on 020 7219 5079