Sue Doughty champions Fairtrade schools in Guildford

2.54.51pm GMT Wed 5th Mar 2008

Sue Doughty is a strong supporter of Fairtrade

Sue Doughty, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Guildford, has today urged local schools to sign up to the Fairtrade Schools scheme.

As part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 25 February to 9 March, Sue has written to schools in Guildford to urge them to begin the process of becoming a 'Fairtrade School'.

Fairtrade hopes to have a total of 2,000 primary and 500 secondary schools fully certified as 'Fairtrade Schools' by 2009. So far only 1,000 schools in the UK have registered with the scheme and Sue hopes that schools in the local area will be encouraged to sign up.

Commenting Sue said, "The growth in Fairtrade initiatives is very impressive and the efforts to improve awareness in schools are particularly important.

"Despite huge increases in the sale of Fairtrade products in the UK, total sales in 2003 represented only 0.17% of total spending on food and drink. This highlights that there is so much more to be done and our local schools are a vital way to show all local people that we can make a difference.

"Becoming a Fairtrade School could benefit the school, teachers and pupils; it gives pupils an opportunity to participate and take responsibility for their decisions and creates links with the local community for example. I hope schools in Guildford will lead the way and embrace this project."