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News of Mandleson’s move to UK trade brief ‘rings serious alarm bells’ for anti-poverty campaigners
03 October 2008
The World Development Movement today reacted to Peter Mandelson’s return to government by warning that the former Brussels Trade Commissioner could put the development credentials of the government at risk.
Julian Oram, head of policy of the World Development Movement said:
“Peter Mandelson’s reign in Brussels as Trade Commissioner has been characterised by a truly aggressive approach to trade with developing countries, and a determination to prioritise the interests of European big business at the expense of the world’s poor.
Whether at the World Trade Organisation, or in trade negotiations with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, he has harried developing countries to accept unfair trade deals, no matter the cost to subsistence farmers and manufacturing jobs locally.
“While we’re hopeful that Mandelson’s departure from the European Commission will signal a break from pro-profit to pro-poor trade policies in Europe, his return to London to head up a new trade and business portfolio rings serious alarm bells for anti-poverty campaigners in Britain. The Prime Minister prides himself on his record of securing debt relief and more aid for developing countries.
However any progress made by Brown’s government on issues of global poverty threaten to be undone if Mandelson continues to use his role to push developing countries down the path of free trade, rather than seeking to secure real trade justice.
ENDS
Kate Blagojevic
Press officer, World Development Movement
0207 820 4900/4913, 07711 875 345, Email:
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