Three GUE/NGL MEPs have thrown their support behind a civil society campaign for an alternative trade mandate.

Helmut Scholz, Co-ordinator for the Group on the International Trade committee, Paul Murphy and Dennis de Jong, endorsed the alternative trade mandate at a demonstration outside the European Parliament today.

This proposal for a radical change in EU trade policy was drafted by more than 50 civil society organisations. It emphasises the need for democratic control of trade relations and agreement negotiations. It calls for a complete reorientation in order to prioritise human rights, women's rights, labour rights, indigenous rights, and the protection of our environment over corporate and private interests.

“The GUE/NGL will ensure the demands of civil society are carried into debates in the European Parliament. You have found an ally,” declared Helmut Scholz .

Paul Murphy said: “They have the money, the lobbyists and a lot of power. But we can have people on our side. We can use the Alternative Trade Mandate in our campaigning against the 'Few Trade' agenda of the commission to show there's an alternative, a vision of trade based on people's needs and the environment instead of big business interests.”

Dennis de Jong commented: “I demand an end to the back-room politics around the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and the US. And I want hearings in the European Parliament and the national parliaments.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group