30-10-03

Barrett calls for fairer trade rules

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP and member of the House of Commons International Development Committee, today called on the Government to step up its efforts to end the unfair global trade rules, which force millions into poverty.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Mr Barrett described the recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) conference a "shambles" which "could never be allowed to happen again."

The International Development Committee produced a report entitled "Issues of Cancun" in the run up to the WTO Conference.  It recommended reform of rich countries' massive agricultural subsidies and an end to the tariffs and quotas imposed on imports from developing countries. 

However, the Conference collapsed without agreement, despite the campaigns of the Trade Justice Movement, which involved thousands of people from Edinburgh visiting Parliament and sending postcards and letters to their MPs.

In a statement, John Barrett MP, said:

"As important as overseas aid is, reform of the international trade rules which discriminate against poorer countries is crucial if we are to tackle global poverty.

"Increasing the exports of developing countries by just 1% would be enough to bring 128 million people out of poverty. In Africa alone, it would be enough to generate five times what the region receives in aid.

"Many of us had pinned our hopes for change on the WTO conference in Cancun last September.  However, the conference collapsed without agreement, partly because of the stubbornness of richer countries such as the US and EU.  It's clear there has to be a change in attitude and even a change in the structure of the WTO if progress is to be made.

"Although Cancun was a setback, the momentum for change remains. The Government must now take the good will which exists within its own ranks, within Parliament and within the UK and turn it into firm action."

ENDS