PRESS RELEASE

17 June 2002

CROYDON SOUTH MP ADDS SUPPORT TO TRADE JUSTICE MOVEMENT

On the eve of the largest ever lobby of Parliament on Wednesday 19th June, mounted by the Trade Justice Movement, Richard Ottaway, Conservative Member of Parliament for Croydon South, has added his support to many of the aims of this campaign.

The Trade Justice Movement is calling for a change to international trade rules that currently hold back the development of poor countries.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"The Conservative Party believes that trade could be the greatest vehicle for poverty reduction in history. We are convinced that international trade could play a much greater role in the fight against global poverty. However, international trade rules currently hold back development in poor countries. Whilst the EU and US continue to subsidise their exports and impose tariffs on their imports, poor countries are unable to compete in the global market. These are double standards and the Conservative Party is eager to see reform of international trade rules."

"Whilst we do not agree with everything called for by the Trade Justice Movement, the Conservatives are eager to debate this important issue in Parliament. Under the circumstances, we have taken the opportunity to devote an opposition day debate on 19 June to the issue of alleviating poverty through trade, as it is an issue which obviously concerns so many people. "

Note to Editors: Further information can be found on the Trade Justice Movement website: http://www.tradejusticemovement.org.uk

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