MP praises town’s Fairtrade team in climate change call
THE borough’s MP has tabled a parliamentary motion to mark Fairtrade Fortnight calling for action to be taken on climate change.
Navendu Mishra, MP for Stockport, , also praised the work of the town’s own Fairtrade group in helping disadvantaged farmers around the world.
Fairtrade Fortnight is a global campaign which highlights how the climate crisis is threatening the future of food and those who produce it.
In parliament Mr Mishra tabled the motion which has been signed by 11 other MPs.
It reads: ‘That this House celebrates the current Fairtrade Fortnight and acknowledges Stockport’s position as a Fairtrade borough since 2003.
“Recognises the contribution of Stockport Fairtrade Group and its volunteers in raising awareness of the importance of purchasing Fairtrade products and supporting disadvantaged farmers and workers in countries to help prevent exploitation and poverty and to become more resilient to climate change and improve sustainability.”
Mr Mishra also mentioned in the motion that he wanted to also recognise the work of Stockport Fairtrade Group and the Unison Stockport branch to deliver the annual Stockport Fairtrade Christmas fair.
The motion continues: “That the house notes that Group’s educational efforts in Fairtrade Schools across Greater Manchester; further notes that Group’s achievement of being made the Fairtrade Foundation’s community group of the month in 2019; and pays tribute to all volunteers at Stockport Fairtrade Group who have worked so hard in the past 18 years to raise awareness of ethical products.”
To mark the start of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 22 to March 7, Mr Mishra also participated in a virtual parliamentary event hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Fairtrade.
The online event featured talks on climate change from Kenyan Fairtrade tea producer Patrick Kaberia Muthaura, chief executive of the Fairtrade Foundation Michael Gidney, and APPG co-chairs Holly Lynch MP and Jason McCartney MP.
Labour MP Mr Mishra said: “I am delighted to show my support for Fairtrade Fortnight this year, and to back Fairtrade’s call for action to protect rural communities on the front line of the climate crisis worldwide.
“Climate change is the biggest threat facing farmers today: droughts, floods, storms and other disasters are threatening their livelihoods and their food crops, which many of us here in the UK depend on.
“Buying Fairtrade products is one simple way we can all help to ensure these farmers have the funds they need to tackle the changing climate and protect their crops from weather-related disasters.
“That’s why it is wonderful to see so many local residents here in Stockport committing to using Fairtrade products and to supporting Fairtrade as a key solution for making trade fairer for farmers and workers in lowerincome countries.”
As part of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fairtrade Foundation is inviting individuals across the country to take part in a virtual festival - the
Choose the World You Want Festival - to support climate justice for farmers and workers overseas.
Events include performances, workshops, panel discussions, cookalongs and talks, with collaborations between the Fairtrade Foundation and retailers, artists, farmers, chefs and high-profile names in the world of food and sustainability.
Nilufar Verjee, Director of Public Engagement at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Farmers and workers in agricultural communities in low-income countries have contributed the least to climate crisis - yet they are among the world’s most vulnerable and are already feeling the worst effects, from unpredictable weather to natural disasters and disease.
“But without stable incomes, these farmers lack the ability to fight climate change impacts and continue to struggle to meet their immediate needs.
“Poverty and environmental damage in our food supply chains will not end until exploited farmers are paid fairly and given the power to make their own choices. Only then will they have the power to effectively fight the impacts of the climate crisis.”