February 27th: Our lively audience of 55 were inspired by Nick Dearden, Director of Global Justice Now during Fairtrade fortnight. In addition to the role of Fairtrade in activating the public on issues of Just Trading in a capitalist world where corporate profit is emphasised above all, he gave examples from South America and Africa of where trade is used to exploit and dominate local populations, maintaining colonialism through financial control. He focused on Investor Dispute State System (ISDS) frequently written into trade contracts where corporates can sue governments (but not vice versa) for loss of profit through reasonable national legislation (such as pro-health), including potential profit. The wide and varied QA that followed showed a stimulating presentation.
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Odious debts: How banks cause misery for the poor
British banks and companies give secret loans to poor countries, by-passing local laws. Then British companies then make huge profits while poor people suffer. Come to hear Tim Jones, campaigner and economist at Jubilee Debt Campaign, explained the situation and what the UK can do about it.
7.30pm Wednesday 30 January free/donations
RISC, 35 – 39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS
More info Jackie Oversby: 07745310794 / jackieoversby@gmail.com www.globaljustice.org.uk/reading
E-pocalypse Now: Wed 5th December 7.30 RISC
Jackie provided a fascinating insight into the world of e-commerce and its hold on our society to a lively audience. The following discussion provided many valuable responses that will enable us to take back power and influence and resist the impact of the corporate capitalist world.
Reading Town Meal: 29 Sept 2018, Forbury Gardens
We had a very successful day. 133 people signed letters to their MPs asking them to defend the standards and regulations that we currently observe on the quality of our food. 
Borders: the good, the bad and the ugly
7.30pm Wednesday 24 October Borders: The good, the bad and the ugly
Do we need borders at all? Ruben Andersson’s talk took a broad sweep across contemporary and historical borders, starting and ending at Europe’s fortified frontiers, with a double purpose – to show how bordering shifts over time, and asked whether we should aim for ‘good borders’ rather than ‘no borders’ as we grapple with the deadly consequences of walling off countries and continents. A large audience interacted in a lively way with his ideas.
Ruben is an Associate Professor of Migration and Development at Oxford University.
Free: donations. Refreshments at the end.
UK Aid Quality 7.30pm Wednesday 5 September RISC
UK Aid Quality
The UK gives 0.7p per £1 on Overseas Development Aid. Is our government spending the money wisely? Is it really helping some of the poorest people in the world? At present some of the money is spent on the military, counter-terrorism projects and to promote the interests of British corporations. Is that a good use of the money? We had a lively and critical thinking discussion on this topic central to global justice.
