Peter Mandelson picketted over trade injustice

Peter Mandelson, the EU Trade Commissioner, was picketted as he arrived at the London School of Economics (LSE) on Friday 4th February.

LSE students and campaigners from Friends of the Earth, War on Want and the World Development Movement greeted the Commissioner, protesting that current trade rules don't benefit people or the environment.

A businessman "pulling the strings" of a giant Mandelson made it clear what critics believe really drives EU trade policy: big business.

While Mandelson addressed the Old Theatre on "Trade, Development and the EU", the students presented an alternative talk in the New Theatre on "What Mandelson won't tell you - the truth about EU trade policy".

Mandelson's talk followed calls for trade justice from Nelson Mandela who backed the Make Poverty History campaign in Trafalgar Square, and came as G7 Finance Ministers met in London.

Joel Kenrick, LSE People & Planet Vice-Chair said:

Everywhere Peter Mandelson goes he is now met by protesters demanding a fairer deal for poorer countries. The EU has been adopting an offensive trade agenda at the WTO, promoting EU corporate interests at the expense of developing countries.

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