The SPEAK Trade Justice Campaign is asking for:

• The reform of the World Trade Organisation, to give poor nations and poor communities an equal say (equal representation) and a fair deal.
• A review of existing trade rules and the effects of liberalisation, including international agreements especially:
  • The General Agreement on Trade of Services (GATS)
  • Treaty for Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) - which governs patents on medicines and life-saving drugs.
• That there should be no new round of WTO negotiations until poor nations have equal representation and trade rules are reviewed.

  "In light of the Treaty for Intellectual Property Rights we must ensure that every way of making life-saving drugs affordable to the poorest countries is explored (still considering research and development needs). I support SPEAK's actions in expressing concern to MPs." Gary Streeter MP, Shadow Minister of International Development, Conservative Party

So far, for the Trade Justice Campaign SPEAK has:

• TAKEN PART IN POSTCARD ACTIONS, raising concern about the effect of unfair trade rules on the world's poor.
• One of these action cards set out our general concerns about world trade, and were sent to the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Stephen Byers.
• We have also sent cards to support the upholding of the World Health Organisation regulation on safe powdered baby milk standards in trade rules.
• Most recently, our campaign action cards were sent to the Director of GlaxoSmithKline requesting affordable access to medicines for the poor, and the reform of current health regulations. The pressure on the pharmaceutical companies internationally has resulted in them pulling out of a court case with the South African government. (link to campaign success). This is an important step in their acknowledging that the health of people is a more important consideration than just profit. Many pharmaceutical companies have relied on the Trade Related Aspects of the Treaty for Intellectual Property (TRIPS) to justify their extension of patents.
• Many people involved in the Network have WRITTEN LETTERS to Government Ministers and Members of Parliament about our concerns for justice in world trade. The response has been amazing!!!!
• Many SPEAK Groups ORGANISED PRAYER VIGILS: In November 2000, groups all over the UK organised prayer vigils for justice in world trade.
• EVENT IN PARLIAMENT: as part of the Day of Action following Sound Check, we had a prayer walk and an event in Parliament. We hosted an art exhibition in Parliament and invited MPs. We gave a presentation outlining our concerns about justice in world trade. Over 30 MPs came, including the Government Treasury Minister, Steven Timms. Many MPs took our suggestions for parliamentary questions. This event has started dialogue with MPs from all over the UK about our concerns. It is really important to continue the dialogue we have developed. Having the support and understanding of MPs is vital in any campaign.

One MP who supported our campaign was Gary Streeter. He is the Shadow Minister for International Development in the Conservative Party. Mr. Streeter shares some of our concerns: "I am calling for reform of the World Trade Organisation because I believe it is important that all members of the WTO, including developing countries, have confidence in their power to influence decision-making. A clear timetable of reform is therefore required to ensure that WTO procedures become more democratic'. He went on to say, 'In light of the Treaty for Intellectual Property Rights we must ensure that every way of making life-saving drugs affordable to the poorest countries explored, whilst being careful not to undermine the prospects of future research and development by drug companies.'