CAMPAIGN ACTIONS

  Bristol a Fairtrade City! Vote for Trade Justice, Stop Climate chaosControl the Arms Trade  


Act for Trade Justice

In 2007 Campaigners called for a stop to Europe’s unfair trade deals with poor countries. Video Youtubehttp://www.flickr.com/groups/tradejustice2007   More than 100 organisations in 37 countries joined the Call for Action on EPA's Day, September 27th  to protest. See New Video on EPAS

Senegalese rapper Didier Awadi's song aimed to strengthen the resolve of African mediators to resist pressure to sign EPAs. Hear the song http://www.awadimusic.com

2008 is the time when  the European Union (EU) devastating free trade agreements with many poor countries are meant to come into play. Please keep up the pressure to change the position of the EU Member States See latest news

SUPPORT  the concerns of poor nations and stop these unfair trade agreements. http://www.tjm.org.uk/, http://www.epa2007.org. See FOE action on EPAS, Useful EPA's Links  &  info EU Trade online

Bristol and Bath-Fairtrade Cities!

Bristol and Bath are both Fairtrade Cities- we are campaigning to get as many workplaces, shops, cafes or restaurants to stock Fairtrade  and to promote our Fairtrade status. 

The FT directory for Bristol!- are you in?- add someone http://www.bristolfairtradenetwork.org.uk contact  jenny@bristolfairtradenetwork.org.uk or call 07970-878337 or 0117 922 2719. http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk/fairtrade

Fairtrade in Bath Bath & NE Somerset FT contact  fairtradebath@yahoo.co.uk FT Co-ordinator, Steve Faragher, steve@faragherjones.com, Tel 01225 319799 http://www.greenbath.org/fairtrade-bath or http://www.bathfairtrade.org

Ethical Expo 08 went brilliantly! http://www.ethicalexpo.com  Look out for future shows  check out what happened! Download Programme

Inspired by the Ethical Expo.....Little information and sometimes no labels at all on clothing sold in the UK means us the consumer can not make a conscious, informed choice when buying clothes. We would like the government to create this legislation, working towards a more informed choice for consumers in the UK, which could then lead to a better working environment for those who currently are a slave to our fashion. We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Have compulsory labeling of all clothing sold in the UK stating where the cotton is from and which country it was made in. Sign the petition: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/labels4clothes

Get in Touch-Other Local FT Contacts:

Keynsham http://www.somersetfairtrade.org.uk/keynsham.htm Chew Valley http://www.valleyfairtrade.org/valley_fair_trade.htm  North Somerset http://www.somersetfairtrade.org.uk/nsomerset.htm South Glos http://www.southgloslocalfood.org/

Find out more about Fairtrade Cities.  80 Fairtrade Towns and counting! Keep up to date by visiting our Fairtrade Town web page, which now displays a map showing a list of Fairtrade Towns in each region of the UK. Click on the link below. http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get_involved_fairtrade_towns.htm

FT Towns international! http://groups.google.com/group/international-fairtrade-towns

Do you know of places that sell FT or would like to? http://www.fairtradeatwork.org.uk  

My Fairtrade! http://my.fairtrade.org.uk  Network and share your Fairtrade experiences.


Stop Climate Chaos!

What did you think of the Climate Bill?

Information & Action 

Responses to the Climate Bill 

Campaign actions for a stronger UK Climate Bill:

Following the Bali Conference, The Bill is  has gone through the house of Lords and is now back in the House of Commons.  Local activists   have been contacting &  visiting local MP on the climate bill, most recently as part of 'The Week of Action' (see pics/stories) 245+ MP's have so far signed the Climate Change Bill Early Day Motion (EDM 736)on the Climate Change Bill. You can find whether or not your MP has already signed here: 

Climate bill- Keep up the pressure!

The Climate Change Bill had its Second Reading in the Commons on the 9th June. Monitor progress on the bill at : http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2007-08/climatechangehl.html, This was the first opportunity for MPs to debate the Bill and many voiced their support for the two changes we are saying the Bill needs – a 2050 emissions reduction target of 80% and the inclusion of our international aviation and shipping emissions. Since then, Nigel Griffiths MP has tabled two amendments to the Bill in line with these needed changes and 35 other MPs have signed up to them in support. This is very good news for our campaign to strengthen the Bill, but we need more MPs to sign these amendments. So…URGENT ACTION – please write urgently  to your MP asking them to “please sign Amendment Number 2 (setting an 80% target) and New Clause 1 (including international aviation and  international shipping) to the Climate Change Bill”. Go to http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/commitee_stage_10133.html  and please take this important action. ALSO see http://www.canvassyourmp.com/

The Climate Change Bill Cttee is currently sitting http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmpbclimate.htm, Members: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmpublic/climate/cmclimate.htm

Final impact assessment, http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/legislation/pdf/ccbill-ia-final.pdf Committee on Climate Change - consultation The Committee on Climate Change has produced a detailed work plan outlining http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/uk/legislation/committee/index.htm The deadline for responses is 20 June 2008 via email: cccinbox@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Coal and the Climate Bill The burning of coal for the production of energy is responsible for over 50% of the manmade carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, yet the UK Government is still planning to build eight new coal power stations - Britain’s first in over 30 years http://www.icount.org.uk/get_involved/coal_and_the_climate_change_bill/default.asp

Gordon Brown suffered his biggest Commons rebellion since taking over as prime minister, when 33 Labour MPs - half his majority - voted for an amendment to the energy bill. The Bill was debated and voted on in Parliament on 30th April.  An amendment to introduce a Renewable Energy Tariff (similar to a feed-in tariff) was tabled by Labour backbenchers and the Conservative and Liberal Democrat frontbench. Amendment here The Bill now has to be considered by the House of Lords, with a “Second Reading” on 25th May. The Bill will then have to go through Committee and Third Reading stages in the House of Lords, but it is not expected to face as much delay there. Future Progress of the Bill  http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2007-08/energy.html (see text of bill) http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/017/2006017.htm  

The Commons Environmental Audit Committee considers to what extent the policies and programmes of government departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development. It audits their performance against such targets as may be set for them by Her Majesty's Ministers and reports thereon to the House- useful papers & reports! http://www.parliament.uk/eacom

  • Climate Change and Global Poverty

See Christian Aid Campaign-Let's cut the Carbon also May 2006 report here 

Action on Biofuels (2. 5%) will be added to UK fuel, by law,  from April 15th - but will it be from sustainable sources? Oxfam is asking supporters to write to the Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly to postpone this act.  http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/campaign/actions/biofuels.html Fight Climate Poverty: http://www.oxfam.org.uk/climatechange

Press your MP to take strong on the Climate Bill Practical Action

Take action with WWF for a stronger Climate Bill!

See World Development Movement Climate Campaign Have your say on the Climate Bill

Check out what happened at the UN Bali Climate Conference: Oxfam @Bali Guardian Blogs , http://unfccc.int/2860.php, http://www.iisd.ca/climate/cop13, see how developing countries shamed US-Click on: Conference of the Parties, 8.30am-3.30pm, Part Three, English Version. http://www.un.org/webcast/unfccc/2007/index.asp?go=071215

Key Sites for UN/International talks & Events http://www.climate-l.org or http://www.un.org/climatechange

Reports- Developing Countries and Climate Change- 

The working Group on Climate Change- Up in Smoke’  First Up in Smoke report here 2. Africa up in smoke here 3. NEW Latin America up in Smoke. SCF Report: Climate change and Children

DFID http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/climatechange/keysheetsindex.asp, http://www.dfid.gov.uk/news/files/climate-google-earth.asp

Read about climate change in UK Government  DFID White Paper

UNEP Climate information http://climatechange.unep.net

Ethics and Climate Change http://climateethics.org

Check out the science!  http://www.realclimate.org

  • How will climate change affect us?

UK Climate predictions, UK Climate impacts   Sustainability Our SouthWest  SW Impacts  Natural England 

SW Observatory   EnvAgency 

  • SW Local & Regional Environmental Action 

Stop Bristol Airport's expansion http://www.stopbia.com, Also take action about the proposed new Bristol ringroad  http://www.southbristolringroad.co.uk

Engage with Bristol City Council on Climate http://www.bristol-climatechange.public-i.tv/site, http://www.askbristol.com/askbristol.php

Sustainable Development Commission on Severn Barrage    Report Summary  Renewable energy

SW Regional Assembly Climate Action Plan SW Climate Change Impacts Partnership (SWCCIP)

Calculate & compare carbon footprints before you fly! https://www.atmosfair.de/index.php?id=30&L=3

Cut your carbon with Fair Shares Fair Choices. http://www.fairsharesfairchoice.com

Follow the Nuclear Debate: We may have more local stations. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jan/04/nuclearpower.greenpolitics http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/blog/nuclear/brown-gets-a-drubbing-over-nuclear-20080103 Sustainable Development Commission on Nuclear Power http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/060306.html, http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/pages/scot_nuclear.html

EU Commission 23rd January 2008 announcements+ videos on bottom of page http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/president/focus/energy-package-2008/index_en.htm                                 MEP's Speak http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/default_en.htm

  • The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition 

Are you on the I Count communities map- Join today! I Count Communities' project, an  interactive, online map is now live! Through the map, you will be able to search and contact over 350 (and rising) local organisations working on climate change in the UK. Your group will be visible on the map to thousands of I Count campaign supporters. http://www.icount.org.uk/get_involved/explore_the_map/default.asp  The Rules!  http://www.icount.org.uk/get_involved/297.asp. Watch this:  I'm Irresistible - I count! film

This growing campaign, STOP CLIMATE CHAOS is  the biggest climate change coalition this country has ever seen Members include: Friends of the Earth, Christian Aid, Greenpeace, Oxfam, People & Planet, National Federation of Women’s Institutes, RSPB, Tearfund, World Wide Fund for Nature – UK (Board members), A Rocha, ACTSA, Action Aid, Airport Watch, BMS World Mission, CAFOD, Campaign against Climate Change, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Carplus, Climate Outreach and Information Network, Come off It, Ethical Consumer, Ethical Jobs, From Greenhouse to Green House, Garden Organic, Glasgow Eco-Renovation Network, Global Student Forum, Green TV, Islamic Foundation for Ecology and Environmental Science, Islamic Relief, Medact, National Commission for Justice and Peace, The National Trust for Scotland, Operation Noah, Plan B, Practical Action, Road Block, SAOCC, Save our World, SCIAF, Shared Energy, SPEAK, Spokes, Surfers Against Sewage, Sustrans, Take Global Warming Seriously, The Wildlife Trusts, Transport 2000, UNA, Unison, Women’s Environmental Network, Woodland Trust, World Development Movement, Youth Against Climate Change. To find out more or  join see http://www.icount.org.uk/12.asp

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Action on the Arms Trade 

Control Arms Victory! 

The voting board at UN General Assembly depicting the result of the vote on Towards an Arms Trade Treaty.

Three years of tireless campaigning has led to a landmark victory as the UN gives the go-ahead to start work on an Arms Trade Treaty and tougher measures to control the arms trade.  Who voted? - how they voted !  see

There is now a real chance for comprehensive international agreement governing the transfer of arms!

We have come a long, long way since three years ago when we launched the Control Arms campaign: in those days the prospect of an Arms Trade Treaty being negotiated in the UN was viewed as idealistic at best. But today we are in the majority. Now this victory must be converted into a strong and effective Arms Trade Treaty based on States’ commitments under international law.

Take action on the Cluster Munitions.  Send an email to put pressure on problem governments who are attempting to weaken the treaty: http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/take-action/contact-government

For latest Action see  http://www.controlarms.org, http://www.oxfam.org.uk/applications/blogs/policy/2007/12/arms_trade_treaty_process_move.html

Also see....UN Group of Governmental Experts to consider further steps to enhance international cooperation in preventing, combating and eradicating illicit brokering in small arms and light weapons http://disarmament.un.org/cab/GGE%20brokering.htm http://disarmament.un.org/cab/salw-tracingexperts.html http://www.disarm.emb-japan.go.jp/statements/Statement/071023UNGA.htm 

UK Arms Control Legislation information & review http://www.dti.gov.uk/europeandtrade/strategic-export-control, http://www.dti.gov.uk/europeandtrade/strategic-export-control/legislation/export-control-act-2002/review/index.html

Information 

Amnesty UK  Arms Trade Pages

IANSA http://www.iansa.org/control_arms/index.htm,

Stockholm Peace Institute http://www.sipri.org

Saferworld http://www.saferworld.org.uk

UN Conference  26 June – 7 July  http://www.un.org/events/smallarms2006,

No one but a criminal would knowingly sell a gun to a murderer, yet governments can sell weapons to regimes with a history of human rights violations, or to countries where weapons will go to war criminals


G8 2008 Hokkaido,7-9th,July,Japan

Next G8 is in Japan, July 2008...Info http://www.g8.utoronto.ca/summit/2008hokkaido/road.html, http://www.g8summit.go.jp/eng/index.html, http://www.g8.utoronto.ca/evaluations/2008hokkaido/2008plan/2008plan.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/34th_G8_summit http://www.do-summit.jp/en/about/summary02.php

G8 2008 Take Action Now !

Civil society around the world is calling on these leaders to take urgent action to meet their promises, and do far more, to fight poverty and inequality.

Every year on July 7, the people of Japan celebrate Tanabata by making their wishes for the coming year, and tying them to a bamboo tree.

Make your 'Tanabata Wish' http://www.whiteband.org/Action/take-action/actionnow, http://www.oxfam.org.uk/actionnow  

More....http://www.all4all.org/2007/04/3052.shtml http://www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/g82008 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/391868.html http://liguria.indymedia.org/node/930 http://www.jca.apc.org/alt-g8/?q=en http://www.focusweb.org/call-to-action-against-the-g8.html?Itemid=92 http://linux7.sanpal.co.jp/no-g8/?q=node/43 http://info.interactivist.net/node/10839 http://dissentnetzwerk.org/node/49

Following up the G8 from Ist September, The Global Campaign Against Poverty  starts 50 Days of action. As in 2005 and 2006, GCAP will partner with the United Nations Millennium Campaign on the Stand Up mass global mobilization, from October 17th to 19th. This will mark International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. A new initiative for GCAP in 2008 will be its participation in the Every Human Has Rights Campaign supported by Council of Elders with world figures like Nelson Mandela, Bishop Tutu and Mary Robinson For more information, please visit: www.whiteband.org, www.everyhumanhasrights.org http://www.civicus.org/new/intro_new.asp, http://www.gmfc.org/index.php/gmc6/content/view/full/811

G8 2007 See verdicts on LAST summit  Newsnight video

G8 2006  News   Russia G8 2006, The Civil G8 , Russia News,  Guardian, Indymedia, BBCReuters

G8 2005 Activists from a huge range of organisations came together in 2005 mounting the compelling campaign – Make Poverty History’ - the first global week of action by the Trade Justice Movement, Comic Relief,  the Africa Commission and Live 8. The UK Government hosted and  held the G8, and held the presidency of the European Union. The last big event was the WTO. See  WTO meeting in December for verdicts and info. See evaluations  for summary verdicts on 2005.

Have they kept their promises? Oxfam Reports, Action Aid report, Debt update Trade News  Aid News  AIDS News DATA Report, Live 8 updates, BBC News UK Government paperTony Blair's speech, Observer/DFID Supplement, Gleneagles 7/7 & Africa


 
Bristol North-South Forum, c/o liz.zeidler@modoto.co.uk