Below are the key messages and questions we would like you to focus on if you are trying to raise the issues of Fairtrade and trade justice in the run up to an election.

1)    Support for Fairtrade
Fairtrade is all about a better deal for producers in the developing world.  We want to know if the candidates are supportive of Fairtrade and would be willing to take actions to encourage the growth of the Fairtrade market in the UK and internationally.

Key question for candidates:
What steps have you taken in the past to support the development of Fairtrade and, if elected, what steps will you be taking to support it?

2)    Support for trade justice
Trade has the potential to lift millions out of poverty.  But the evidence shows that developing countries rarely benefit from current trade rules, which largely favour developed countries. We want to know where the candidates stand in relation to trade justice and whether they will promote an international trading system that supports rather than undermines international development objectives like the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Key question for candidates:
What do you believe that the UK and EU need to do to ensure that future trade negotiations meet the needs of poor people and developing countries?

3)    Support for UK regulation
The UK government has the power to shift policies or increase regulation of business in the pursuit of Fairtrade and Fairtrade principles. We want to know if the candidates would be supportive of this increased regulation. One example of a change in regulation that should help promote Fairtrade principles in businesses would be the introduction of a ‘supermarket ombudsman’, a body that would ensure that retailers operated in a fair manner when dealing with suppliers. This has been recommended by the Competition Commission and all three major parties have stated that they are in favour, but the details of how it will be implemented have yet to be agreed.

Likewise, the UK government could encourage and support all public bodies to make Fairtrade an automatic part of their catering and supply contracts. The public sector spends 13% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on procurement annually – imagine the difference this would make if more of these choices were Fairtrade.   (source: DEFRA)

Key questions for candidates (pick one, or ask both):
Your party has expressed its support for the Competition Commission recommendations on creating a supermarket ombudsman. Do you agree that suppliers in developing countries should have access to this ombudsman if they believe a supermarket is applying excessive pressure?
What will your party do to ensure all government departments, public bodies and local authorities are able to make a positive choice to procure Fairtrade and other ethical products?

Local Council elections
In some areas across the UK, local elections are held on the same day as the national election.  If this is the case in your locality, you can make sure Fairtrade is on the radar of Council candidates by asking them the following question:

If elected, would you ensure that your council supports/continues to support Fairtrade by encouraging the procurement of Fairtrade products where possible?