‘DURHAM SHOULD BE PROUD OF FAIR TRADE STATUS’ – HALL

Durham’s Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Fiona Hall, says Durham City should be proud of its achievement this weekend as it is awarded Fair Trade City status. Paul Chandler, CEO of the Fair Trade organisation Traidcraft is in Durham this Saturday to launch the City’s Fair Trade status.

To achieve Fair Trade status a town must have fulfilled all of five criteria, including ensuring that a range of Fair Trade produce is available throughout many of the town’s retail outlets. Fair Trade status brings with it prestige and also the knowledge that the area is at the forefront of fairer trading practices.

Liberal Democrat MEP, Fiona Hall, is passionate about Fair Trade and will be speaking after the launch about her role in the European Parliament pushing for fairer trading practices.

Commenting on the achievement, Ms Hall said:

“Back in 2005 our Liberal Democrat Council and associated civic leaders put Fair Trade status for the City on the agenda and set about making sure that goal was achieved.

“Saturday is the realisation of that aim and a day for us all to celebrate and enjoy the acclaimed prize of being named an official Fair Trade City."

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader of City of Durham Council and local businesswoman, Carol Woods, said:

“Fair Trade is really important and its initiatives like this that all add up to make a difference to the wider world.

“It is great to see Durham achieve this accolade. I am very much looking forward to celebrating on Saturday and enjoying the City’s achievement.”