Lib Dem Euro-MP visits Fairtrade Chocolate Company

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 19th Jan 2004

Sarah is pictured with Managing Director Ms Sophi Tranchell (far right) and Cllrs Nick Stanton and Caroline Pidgeon

Baroness Sarah Ludford, London MEP and European Justice Spokeswoman for the Liberal Democrats visited a Fairtrade company "The Day Chocolate Company" in Southwark today.

She was accompanied by Liberal Democrat colleagues Cllr Nick Stanton and Cllr Caroline Pidgeon, leader and deputy leader of Southwark Council respectively.

The visit was a development of Sarah's campaigning on the issue, following her work last year in urging the European Parliament and Lib Dem London Town Halls to ensure that the tea and coffee served in their meeting rooms and cafés met with Fairtrade standards.

Said Sarah:

"As Liberal Democrats we believe Fairtrade is the best aid, using our buying power to ensure small producers in developing countries get a decent price for their produce and decent conditions of work."

"Tackling globe inequalities at their root should be a top priority in our pursuit of worldwide justice and security. On one hand this involves difficult changes like EU reforms of unfair trade rules, but it can also be as simple as eating great chocolate!

"I congratulate ethical companies like the Day Chocolate Company who seek to promote a fair deal for producers and consumers. I'm also delighted that LibDem Southwark Council is looking at green and fair trade procurement as part of the borough's new procurement strategy."

"I hope that my visit will further my campaign to encourage my colleagues across Europe and London to support Fairtrade wherever possible."

• For more information on The Day Chocolate Company visit www.divinechocolate.com

• A pioneering relationship for Fairtrade, The Day Chocolate Company is part-owned by the Ghanaian farmers cooperative that supplies its cocoa.

• The Day Chocolate Company produces the well-known brand names 'Double' and 'Divine'.