Streatham MP swayed by 60 lobbiers

By Chris Holt
28 June 2003

More than 60 trade justice campaigners lobbied Streatham MP Keith Hill today. Supporters of Oxfam, CAFOD, WDM, the Methodist Association of Youth Clubs, Action Aid, Christian Aid and Save the Children joined the lobby, which was followed by a giant "Weigh In" and unfair games of snakes and ladders in Brixton town centre.

Mr Hill, who is Minister of State in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, appeared to be swayed by many of the campaigners' arguments.

"It's totally clear that a totally open market approach to developing countries is dangerous to them and we have to consider how we can protect their interests," said the MP. "I'm not in the habit of yielding to an audience simply because I'm here to please, but I agree that free trade isn't necessarily fair."

Action Aid trade policy advisor John Hilary explained to the MP that the core demand of today's massive lobby of MPs was that the UK government should stop pushing for the introduction of an agreement on investment and three other new issues at the WTO.

Hill replied: "I undertake to follow up with the Secretary of State of Trade and Industry and perhaps reverse what was my initial reaction which was that an investment agreement in the WTO is good for developing countries."

"Increased investment can create jobs and wealth for countries, but these things need to be managed in a proper structure, and I'm very interested to learn that the emphasis of the Trade Justice Movement at this stage is No to new issues and that most of the developing countries, including big ones like China and India are resisting new agreements on investment, for example."

Streatham campaigner and CAFOD supporter Suzanne Maher told the MP: "Most of us here are not experts but we recognise unfairness and free trade is not fair. I think the government understands what we mean; you are our representative and we want you to push on our behalf."

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