Government must do more to support fair trade says Committee Chair Bruce

10.43.26am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 14th Jun 2007

Buying fair trade products allows consumers to have a positive impact on poverty reduction

The UK government is out of step with consumer support for fair trade, according to a new report by the International Development Committee, chaired by Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce.

The committee, which scrutinises the work of the Department for International Development (DFID), says that the Government's commitment to promoting fair trade has not kept pace with a marked increase in national support for fair trade. The report urges DFID to consider how best to generate more resources for fair trade, and for a senior DIFD official to be responsible for fair trade within Government.

Commenting on his committee's recommendations, Mr Bruce said:

"The fair trade movement in the UK has made enormous strides in recent years with growth in recognition of the fair trade label, growth in sales, and growth in the number of companies, organisations, churches, towns and schools which are all engaged, in one way or another, with fair trade.

"Fair trade offers an excellent means of ensuring purchasing has a positive impact on poverty reduction. The Government should now develop a clearer strategy for its support for fair trade."