Heavyweight campaigning in Manchester

By Sophie Dodgeon and Chris Worrall
28 June

Over 250 people gathered in the centre of Manchester this morning to add their weight to the call for trade justice - with rapping, music and balloons.

Gerald Kaufman MP Image: Dave Nelson

Philip Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, heard the message before he had even arrived at the event when 22 children, from six to twelve years old, lobbied him on the train into Manchester. Arriving in the city centre the young campaigners performed a Trade Justice rap in St. Anne's Square, each dressed up to represent countries that are losing out from unfair trade rules.

One corner of the city square became 'the lobbying corner' as local MP Tony Lloyd heard the call for trade justice from his constituents. A billboard announced that a fantastic total of 24 of 25 MPs in the local area had been lobbied.

Campaigners heard how trade rules impact on Kenya from Mutuwa Waema, who is studying economics at Manchester University. The host of the event was local radio presenter Mike Shaft from Greater Manchester Radio and there was live music from a Zimbabwean band. Duncan Green from CAFOD explained how unfair rules are hurting the poor around the world and the Bishop of Middleton also lent his voice to the campaign.

'Hohodza' (Woodpecker) performing at the TJM lobby. Image: Dave Nelson

The crowds then joined the nation-wide 'Weigh in' as the bells of St. Anne's Church rang out at noon and hundreds of Trade Justice balloons were released.

Passers-by added their weight to the message - literally - by stepping on to industrial scales. By 12.45pm over 35,000 kilograms of weight had been added.

'We've had a fantastic day, it went off like a storm,' said Chris Worrall, one of the organisers. 'Today was a celebration of all the trade justice lobbying taking place around Manchester - and local people are really getting the message.'

More news