John Mason, SNP MSP for Glasgow’s East End, has signed up to support the campaign to make Scotland a Fair Trade Nation. The campaign, organised by the Scottish Fair Trade Forum, aims to put together the bid for Scotland to be declared a Fair Trade Nation by increasing awareness and purchasing of Fair Trade products

John Mason has demonstrated his commitment by signing a card with the slogan “Scotland’s Going Fair Trade. Are You?” As one of the first Fair Trade Nations in the world, Scotland will lead the way in ensuring producers from the developing world are paid the right price for their products so that they can work their way out of poverty.

“We are delighted that so many MSPs are supporting the campaign”, said Martin Rhodes, Director of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum. “Cross-party support is vital to achieving Fair Trade status across the whole of Scotland. The support of John Mason MSP is another boost for the campaign.”

Commenting, the SNP’s John Mason, who is committed to only using Fair Trade products in his Constituency Office, said:

“I am pleased to be supporting the campaign to make Scotland a Fair Trade Nation. I know that many East End folk also support Fair Trade to ensure that farmers and producers in the developing world get a fair deal.”

Fair Trade goods guarantee a fair price to producers in developing countries, as well as safe working conditions, no child labour, rights for women and protection of the environment. As a Fair Trade Nation, Scotland’s towns will have active Fair Trade groups, each city will have Fairtrade City status, and the Scottish Government will actively promote Fair Trade.