12 October 2006

Barrett calls for an end to double standards on trade talks

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today accused the Government of ‘double standards’ in negotiations over crucial international trade deals.

Mr Barrett, a member of the International Development Select Committee made the comments following a debate in parliament today on the failure to reach a significant deal on world trade at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks in Hong Kong earlier this year. The so-called Doha round of meetings was roundly criticised both by Trade Ministers and campaign groups.

Mr Barrett has called for an end to EU and US protectionism which has stalled progress on a deal for world trade.

Speaking from Westminster, John Barrett said:

“The World Trade talks were supposed to be about securing a trade deal for the poorest countries in the world. Instead, self interest has been allowed to hijack proceedings.

“Trade-distorting subsidies by the EU and the US are a barrier to helping poor countries trade their way out of poverty, yet each is blaming the other for the present deadlock.

“While the EU and the US remain in a stand-off, it is the world’s poorest countries that lose out. It is time for the West to end these shameful double standards and take real action to follow up on the promises made at Gleneagles.”

Notes

• John Barrett is a member of the International Development Select Committee