World Development Movement (WDM) and War On Want have had the offer of a pass to the G20 summit withdrawn. See WDM site (www.wdm.org.uk) and War On Want site (www.waronwant.org) for latest information, and WDM press release – 01/04/09.
April 2nd, 2009
The word ‘recession’ has an essentially negative quality, defined as ‘the act of withdrawing or going back’. As an idea it goes against our western sensibilities of linear progress.
In its purely economic meaning, recession is described as ‘an extended decline in general business activity’. The current decline seems set to last for the foreseeable future. Despite earlier optimistic predictions, the Bank of England has stopped taking bets on an upswing in the economy until at least mid-2010.
As the recession unfolds, I find myself less and less interested in the blame game that has gripped the media. What interests me more is the economics equivalent of the ‘science vs religion’ debate: we may know how the current situation arose and have our opinions on who is to blame, but do we really understand why? Read more…
March 16th, 2009
Friday 20 March – 6.30 to 8.30pm. Chorlton Central Church, Barlow Moor Road , Manchester , M21 8BF
Trade can help poorer countries to overcome poverty, by generating jobs and supporting livelihoods. But the European Union is currently negotiating trade deals with over 100 countries in Africa, Asia andLatin America which will secure big profits for European companies at the expense of development.
These trade deals will particularly harm the poorest and most vulnerable people in developing countries, destroying jobs, local industries and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.
The World Development Movement campaigns for a world without poverty and injustice. We work in solidarity with activists around the world to tackle the causes of poverty. We research and promote positive alternatives which put public good before private gain.
If you’re in Manchester, come and find out more – take action with WDM to end trade injustice.
Or check the Put People First local events page for more events happening near you in the run up to the London G20 Summit March on 28 March.
March 11th, 2009
Today, the World Development Movement (WDM) warns that Gordon Brown’s proposals at the G20 to salvage the global economy could be wrecked by contradictions between his tough talk on re-regulating the banking sector and the UK’s continued push for banking liberalisation in developing countries through European free trade deals.
The new report, ‘Taking the credit’, reveals the extent of the negative consequences of the financial services liberalisation pushed on developing countries through EU free trade deals. These deals would lift restrictions on how multinational banks, like Barclays, HSBC, Santander operate in developing countries. The World Development Movement’s evidence shows such deals would mean that poor people and small businesses lose out on access to credit and other banking services.
WDM’s report, and a summary can be found at www.wdm.org.uk/takingthecredit
March 11th, 2009
The World Development Movement has urged Gordon Brown to adopt an ambitious global Green New Deal in response to a ‘low carbon summit’ convened by the Prime Minister.
WDM Director Benedict Southworth said: “We welcome Gordon Brown’s support for a Green New Deal by saying that he plans to tackle the economic and climate crisis together, but he must be very careful not to dress up a high-carbon ‘business as usual’ growth agenda under a veneer of green gloss. Brown needs to show real leadership both at home and at the G20 meeting in April by committing to specific policies that could to ensure a rapid transition to a fair, low carbon economy – for example by massive investments in job-creating renewable energy projects, and by greening the banks to provide secure places for people to invest their savings and pensions.”
For more details see the WDM website.
March 6th, 2009
