Lib Dem candidates backing Fairtrade

All three Lib Dem Euro candidates, Angelika Schneider, Owen Temple and Christian Vassie, have signed up to support the fairtrade manifesto ahead of Thursday's election.

The manifesto backs "A world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and devel op their full human potential".

Lead candidate Angelika said: "Fiona Hall MEP's offices in both Durham and Brussels are already 'fairtrade offices', using Fairtrade products wherever possible. I pledge to continue this practice, as well as work to see that justice is at the heart of trade structures and practices in the European Union".

The Fairtrade Manifesto asks candidates to agree to becoming a champion for Fairtrade if elected. They agree to promote best practice, a people-centred economy and businesses that support sustainable livelihoods; address abuses that lead to the violation of human rights and marginalised producers and workers; and give producers the possibility of trading in European markets in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Framework post 2015.

The section asking for support for an "Alternative Trade manifesto" has not been supported as it is not yet available.