Page 2 - link magazine

2 The Link Magazine • September 200 3
Finding a way to a fairer world
Politicians from around the planet gather for another expensive and much publicised World Trade Organisation conference between 10 and 14
September in Mexico to debate trade issues across the world. South Swindon MP Julia Drown explains that governments in the rich world must
do better to help those in poverty.
Trade rules must be improved to benefit the poor. More need help in attracting for-
needs to be done to help all developing countries secure eign investment which not
better access to markets in rich countries. only provides additional
The current levels of protection- CAP is equivalent to pay- capital, but helps to trans-
ism are scandalous. The OECD ing $2 a day for every cow fer new technologies and
spends over $350 billion every year in Europe, when 1.2 bil- skills as well as generat-
to support its agriculture sector, lion people in the world ing employment.
far more than the $50bn spent on live on half that amount. The Government is pro-
aid. European Union citizens pro- If tariffs in the devel- viding financial support to
vide 45bn euro of taxes to fund the oped and developing assist poorer countries in
Common Agricultural Policy world were halved, devel- their negotiations. By 2004
(CAP) and a further 50bn euro oping countries would we'll have spent £45m on
buying more expensive products gain £150 billion per year these capacity building ini-
that are on sale as a result. The — three times what they tiatives which are impor-
get in aid. And the number tant to give developing
of people living in pov- countries a fair say in the
Animal Portraits erty would reduce by over WTO.
300 million by 2015. I'm proud that so many
Lovingly drawn The British Govern- litlia visiting Windmill Hill School in July to talk about her people in Swindon are
ment's priorities for this work in Parliament and her concerns for poorer countries standing up for the poor-
in pastel or
World Trade Round are reducing that any new obligations for World est people in the world and I share
pencil from
agricultural subsidies in Western Trade Organisation members al- their view that we need to have
your favourite countries and ensuring that the low them the flexibility to pursue fair trade, because through fair
photograph. world's poorest countries have ac- national development objectives, trade we will also be able to tackle
For a free cess to affordable medicines. It is clear from discussions with some of the desperate poverty that
The Government also supports developing countries that many blights our world.
brochure, call
the Latin American countries who
Vikki Loeber 4
want to see the agenda include
01793 513536 Campaigning in Mexico for better animal welfare
new issues like investment which
07799 605045 Marilyn Harrison and her daughter Anish from Toothill, who are
could bring benefits for develop-
^'.loeber@ virgin.nct members of Swindon Animal Concern, will join a team from Com-
ing countries. But we do so on passion in World Farming (CIWF) to press the case for better animal
View the gallery at condition that a balanced and flex- welfare at the WTO conference in Mexico.
www.vikkiloeber.co.uk ible approach is taken to make sure
At present free trade rules do
y y not have to take account of public
Capture our holida memories on DVD policy, such as animal welfare, the
environment or social justice.
and any other special event "WTO rules make it very diffi-
cult for countries to bring in ani-
mal protection laws," said Marilyn.
® Transfer VHS to DVD "WTO members must be allowed
and all taped media to ban imports from countries
Wedding videos which do not meet welfare stand-
Irreplaceable TV programmes and sports events ards, for example where wild ani-
mals are caught using leghold
Children's first steps. Bi rthday parties, Christenings
traps, or where cosmetics are tested
& Confirmations.
on animals.
Multiple copies; overseas copies; edited copies
"We're also very concerned that
Obsolete formats. i.e. Betamax. Video2000: camcorder tapes
the US is trying to use the WTO to
compel other countries to accept
Tel: 01793 612187 • Mobile: 07940-810733
the import of genetically modified
e-mail: [email protected]
crops and hormone-treated beef." Marilyn and Anish looking forzvard
www.vhstodvd.co.uk • Unit 2a. The PC Medic. Grime to Shine. Greenbridge Rd. Swindon
www.ciwf.co.uk to getting their messages across
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