Trade Justice Movement
Press Release
16 April 2005 14:00 hours

25,000 rally for justice in world trade

Celebrities join campaigners at biggest mass protest of election campaign

Over 25,000 people filled Whitehall at an all-night vigil and protest organised by the Trade Justice Movement to call for trade justice not free trade.

Police closed off Whitehall to traffic as activists joined celebrities and public figures for a minute’s silence at midnight, followed by an explosion of noise designed to wake up politicians to the strength the movement for trade justice.

The night started with Westminster Abbey full to capacity as Beverley Knight, Ronan Keating and others performed songs and readings. Crowds filled adjacent streets as activists of all ages waited to take part in a candle-lit procession to the gates of Downing Street.

After midnight, venues across Whitehall and Westminster hosted music and comedy, films and debates. All were filled to capacity, with large queues around all venues.

Highlights included an impromptu solo acoustic set by Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, in Westminster Central Hall.

Barbara Crowther, Head of Communications at the Fairtrade Foundation and a Board Director of the Trade Justice Movement said:

“It may be night, but we are wide awake. We will not rest whilst so many lives are being destroyed by injustice in trade.”

Glen Tarman, Trade Justice Movement coordinator, said:

“Thank you to all the supporters of trade justice who came to London for our all-night vigil and protest. Our movement is gathering force. We have set a clear challenge to the politicians of our country. No more words without action. No more unjust trade in our names.”

The vigil continues til 6.30 am, when campaigners will make a dawn procession past Downing Street, after which delegations of Trade Justice Movement campaigners will lobby leaders of the three main political parties.

Wake Up to Trade Justice was the culmination of a Global Week of Action on trade, which saw millions taking part in events and protests in over 80 countries worldwide, as well as across the UK.

ENDS

For further information:

Sarah Finch Trade Justice Movement

John Coventry War on Want

Dave Timms World Development Movement

Helen Burley Friends of the Earth

Notes for Editors:

1. The Trade Justice Movement (www.tjm.org.uk) is a coalition of over 60 organisations including aid agencies, environment and human rights campaigns, fairtrade organisations, trade unions, faith and consumer groups. The movement’s member organisations represent over 9 million British voters.

2. Opinion polls show international poverty ranks high (eighth) among the most important election issues, above Europe, transport, Iraq and interest rates.

3. Trade Justice is one of the key calls of MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY (www.makepovertyhistory.org), supported by 400 UK organisations.

4. The Global Week of Action is the biggest mobilisation yet on trade, with events in over 80 countries and in towns and cities across the UK. For more information see www.april2005.org/media.

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