Countdown to election The UK General election took place on May 6th. It was a major opportunity to ensure that as many candidates as possible, from all parties, understand the importance of Fairtrade and trade justice to the lives of people living in poverty. The Fairtrade Foundation is part of a coalition called
Vote Global, whose focus was on ending poverty at the election. We wanted all Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) to know that caring about international development is vital to their election – and you were key to them getting that message!
Fairtrade campaigners have made amazing efforts in the build up to and during Fairtrade Fortnight, and this was an unmissable opportunity to build on all your achievements. Many Fairtrade campaigners have asked us what they can do to support Fairtrade during elections and this toolkit was been developed in response.
This toolkit will help you to get the issues on candidate agendas. There are top tips for speaking to candidates, writing letters to local papers and more besides. As you will see below, even if you spend just one minute of your time, it could make a difference in the future. And please, if you do raise Fairtrade or trade justice issues with any of your candidates, tell us about it! We will be collecting information about candidates’ views from all around the country so we can hold them to their promises.
'Engaging with prospective MPs at election time about an issue we feel passionate about is an immensely valuable activity. It is perhaps the best opportunity we have to be active democrats - and it lifts the lid a little on some important questions. Politicians are generally people who like people and are happy to talk - and even sometimes listen!' -
Johanna Alberti, Fairtrade campaigner, CumbriaIdeas on what to focus on if you are trying to raise the issues of Fairtrade and trade justice.
Tell us what you heard on the election trail and read our first response as the dust settles.