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Wokingham Borough Council acknowledges the WFTC's work
I’m writing to tell you of some exciting developments in the campaign, so do please read on.
We have been engaged for some time in discussion with Wokingham Borough Council about the impact and importance of fair trade for the residents of the Borough. We have impressed upon them the progress being made by our campaign, and have been pleased with the responses we have received.
On Thursday November 29 the full Council meeting debated the following motion:
Motion 286 submitted by Mrs E Siggery
This Council applauds the work carried out by the Wokingham Fair Trade group and the fact that they have met many of the criteria to make Wokingham a fair trade Borough. We support this initiative and the fact that it has been achieved with minimal use of taxpayers’ money.
I am absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you that the motion was passed unanimously.
This marks a significant point in our campaign. It is extremely gratifying that our efforts have been recognised and marked in this way – and it is a huge tribute to the support, effort and enthusiasm which you, our members (and there are almost 150 of you now), extend to this issue.
Your committee is equally delighted that the result was a unanimous decision – thus demonstrating what we have always known, that the principle Fair Trade is not a political issue – it is a human, social and moral question – and one on which all parties can and should work together. On Thursday both parties agreed on the principle – the only matter for debate was “how fast” and “at what cost” our targets can be met.
Whilst we have always maintained that Fairtrade Zone status is not an end in itself, we have equally been clear that it does represent a significant milestone. This motion now sends a strong signal to town councils that the way forward is clear. We will now engage with the three main town councils in Earley, Wokingham and Woodley, and seek to work with all the represented political parties, to make progress on achieving Fairtrade Town status for each of them. We will also explore how best to make progress with our larger Parishes, like Twyford, Wargrave and Winnersh.
None of this would have been possible without your active support and encouragement.
Thank you
Colin Weedon
WFTC Chairman
Notes:
For more information please email communications@wokingham-fairtrade.org.uk or call WFTC chairman Colin Weedon on (0118) 979 1156.
Photos:
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