To become a Fair Trade Borough five goals have to be met including the local council passing a resolution supporting Fair Trade and a range of Fair Trade products being available and used in a number of local work places.
Jean, who is Green MEP for London, will be joined by the Leader of the Council and Harry Cohen MP on Saturday. Congratulating the Borough today Jean Lambert said: "Being awarded Fair Trade status is an achievement. Everyone throughout the Borough should be proud that they have made these changes and that the council has responded to local campaigners.
"Some of the World’s developing countries face falling prices and a continuing battle to get a fair price for their goods and acceptable working conditions. Consumers of products carrying the fair trade logo can be sure that human rights have been observed throughout production and that producers have a chance to gradually to develop their own independence and communities.
"I now hope that other London Boroughs will follow Waltham Forests’ excellent example and make their way to becoming Fair Trade Boroughs."
ENDS
For more information please contact:Morwenna Holland, Media OfficerTel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812 Email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors: Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.
Fair Trade Borough Goals: 1. Local council must pass a resolution supporting Fair Trade and serve Fair Trade tea and coffee at its meeting and in offices and canteens.2. A range of Fair Trade products must be readily available in the areas shops and served in local cafes and catering. 3. Fair Trade products must be used by a number of local work places – estate agents, hairdressers etc – and community organisations – churches, schools.4. Attract media coverage and support for the campaign.5. A local Fair Trade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fair Trade Town status.