Two bandits sporting European Union bandanas attempted to rob a four-foot sweetcorn from a sombrero wearing Mexican farmer last weekend as part of a protest against unfair trading in the EU.
The ‘great trade robbery’ stunt, organised by the south west London World Development Movement (WDM), depicted the threat posed to millions of poor people in the developing world by the trade deals the EU is negotiating with their countries.
David Johnstone, of the WDM, said: “We are calling on the EU to fundamentally change its trade strategy and push for a trading system that will work in the interests of the people and the environment.
“These deals will restrict the ability of developing countries to set up their own rules to govern trade, and lead to their farmers and growing industries being forced into unfair competition with heavily subsidised EU agribusiness and large corporations.”
The event held at the Oval Farmer’s Market in Kennington last Saturday was part of the lead up to Fairtrade Fortnight which runs from Sunday, February 23 to Sunday, March 8.
To see what Fairtrade events are happening in your area visit fairtrade.org.uk or for more information on the south west London WDM visit wdm.org.co.uk/southwestlondon
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