Archived press release

Trade justice vigil aims to turn EU commissioner green

8 April 2005

Members of the public will be invited to turn the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson green by joining the Wake Up to Trade Justice vigil on Friday 15^th April in central London [1]. The event is part of the first ever Global Week of Action for trade justice (10-16^th April), with activities in some 70 countries around the world [2].

Friends of the Earth will host a "Splat Mandy" stall in Methodist Central Hall as part of the all-night London event, which is expected to attract thousands of people including stars from stage, screen and the music world.

At midnight, campaigners will gather outside Downing Street with lanterns and candles to call on politicians from all parties to stop pushing poor countries to open up their economies and respect their right to decide on trade policies which will help them end poverty and protect their environment.

The vigil will be supported by a host of activities, including comedy, film and a green call for trade justice, culminating in a dawn procession and delegations meeting representatives from the main political parties.

Friends of the Earth is urging politicians of all persuasions to wake up to the conflict between the current free trade agenda and the world's environmental limits. The emphasis on growth regardless of environmental costs puts pressure on natural resources, often contributing to climate change.

Mr Mandelson is facing increasing criticism for his stance on the World Trade Organisation's negotiations. He is on the record as saying that environmental and social considerations should only be taken into account in trade policy if they bolster competitiveness

Friends of the Earth Trade Campaigner Eve Mitchell said:

"Thousands of people are coming to London to send a clear message to politicians and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson that the world needs trade justice, not free trade. Mr Mandelson represents the people of Europe in trade negotiations. He cannot be allowed to trade the global environment away."

Around the country, groups will mark the Global Week of Action with church services, meetings, concerts and vigils. Friends of the Earth local group members are inviting members of the public to call for green trade justice with stalls and Splat Mandy events [3].

And on Saturday 16^th April, Friends of the Earth will bring the Global Week of Action events in London to a close with a club night, hosted by a.m.p. [4].

Notes

[1] The Wake Up to Trade Justice Vigil is organised by the Trade Justice Movement. For more information see www.tjm.org.uk/wakeup/

[2] See www.april2005.org/media/events/index.html

[3] Friends of the Earth local groups in Manchester, York, South Cheshire, Cardiff, Elmbridge,

Tottenham and Wokingham are holding events to vote for green trade justice throughout the week. For more information contact the press office at Friends of the Earth. For more details of trade justice events around the country see www.tjm.org.uk/events.shtml

[4] Taking it down to the shop floor, with Larry Love, Kamel Nitrate, Chemical Dub Theory, Beans on Toast takes place at Jamm, 261 Brixton Road, London on Saturday, 16 April, 9pm-6am.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust