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Let's be friendsThe European elections are coming... and Topshop are in the firing line
The Scottish Greens show support for People and Planet's campaign to curb exploitation in the garment industry
Green candidate Elaine Morrison signs Topshop petition
Early on Friday morning Elaine Morrison, the lead candidate for the Scottish Green Party added her signature to those collected by students at Edinburgh uni’s People and Planet group. In the shadow of Edinburgh’s Topshop superstore students held a giant complaints form packed with signatures from customers, while Ms Morrison signed her name before before the press. The party’s move to show clear support for the rights of garment workers takes place in the build up to the European elections on 4 June. In their manifesto the Scottish Green Party pledge to push for ‘a tough global treaty for the textile and clothing industry incorporating respect for basic workers rights’ in Europe. Such a pledge indicates the success of People and Planet’s tireless campaigning on Topshop’s slack ethics and the human rights abuses uncovered in their supply chains.
Adam Ramsay, speaking for the party, said
The European Parliament has the ability to ensure that goods sold in the European Union are not produced in exploitative circumstances. The continuation of Topshop’s human rights abuses are a striking reflection of the EU’s failure to do so. Topshop are also the only major store on the high street not to join the Ethical Trading Initiative. What have they got to hide?
The Green Party’s prioritisation of the issue in its stance on European policy promises to raise the profile of students’ vibrant calls for Topshop to take responsibility for the persistant abuse of those making their clothing. It is also a reminder of the opportunity that the up-coming elections provide for having a say on how we want global policy to be shaped, in order to end the exploitation of those producing the clothes we wear.
The Redress Fashion campaign is now coming to an end but its themes will continue to be campaigned on as part of the new Corporate Power campaign.
Do you want to get involved? Then volunteer as a campaign advocate for the campaign. This role can include media and commmunications, doing workshops, planning national days of action. It is great experience for jobs and is a brilliant way of helping to shape an important new campaign. Email Jim if you have any questions, or go to our volunteer recruitment page.
