I’ve just spoken to Beth Stuarts from the Recyling team at Barnet Council and she has confirmed that Barnet are in no way considering moving to Fairtrade status at any point in the near future!
She attributed this decision to the politics of it, and also because it would be a long and tiresome process that is expensive to execute. Anyone from Barnet feel any different?!
Barnet Campaign Update
The principle blockage is from the Conservative councillors.
The motion to become a Fairtrade town was recently raised in December’s Council meeting, but was rejected by ALL Conservative councillors.
Reasons given were free trade is more effective than Fairtrade; consumers and Barnet should have choice and that the council has more urgent priorities.
I feel that the only way to make change is to prove the community/global/business benefits and major support there is for Fairtrade. Which can only be achieved by members of the community coming together and lobbying the council.
If interested in making a change please join the Barnet Fairtrade Campaign Group, contact Maria on vpetnga@hotmail.com