We went through the main issues in September’s Think Global.
Trade
Trade Democracy Trade has been in the news a lot over the summer.There have been quite a lot of references to ‘chlorine washed chicken’ which seems to be building on the previous TTIP campaigning. There has also been a lot of concern about Trump refusing to condemn neo-Nazis. Despite that it seems that a UK-US trade deal is essential for Brexit to take place and there is the real concern of opening the NHS up to US healthcare corporations. The US trade deal is being given the highest profile but there are also working groups with other countries. All of these proposed deals are being discussed in secrecy.
New Resources on Trade There is a new booklet called ‘Twenty ways to fight for trade democacy’. GJN has also developed a workshop called ‘Trading with Trump’ and there is a new powerpoint and talk.
Meeting with our MP’s This is a key moment to set up a meeting with our MP’s. Previously trade deals have been dealt with by MEP’s. We should give MP’s a copy of the ‘Giving Away Control’ briefing and ask them to sign EDM128.
CETA This was provisionally implemented on 21 September, having been delayed from the spring. It was implemented despite not having been ratified by many European parliaments.
Pharmaceuticals / Corporate Power
This is a new campaign. A report is being launched which exposes the way in which the power of pharmaceutical corporations drives up the cost of healthcare and restricts access to medicines around the world. It calls for new medicines that have been developed with public funding to be affordable. Similar campaigns are being run across Europe.
New Materials We now have the following:
- Five campaign briefings
- Leaflet
- Action Card (scratch card)
- Poster
- Licence to screen Fire in the Blood.
Migrant Solidarity
M&S campaign. This is continuing.
Freedom of Movement Lobby held on 13 September.
Paddington Badges. ‘Migrants Welcome’.
Aid Watch
GJN has released a new report ‘/Re-imagining UK Aid’. This continues to challenge inappropriate aid spending and projects such as the New Alliance. . It says that aid should be focused on principles of social justice and redistribution.
Campaigns Consultation
We looked at the feedback from the consultation. Most groups seemed to have responded in similar ways to us, preferring to work on trade and migration rather than on pharmaceuticals.
Next Meeting Thursday 26 October at Caryn’s house in order to look at the new Trade powerpoint, to educate ourselves and possibly use it as a resource with other groups.
