Palestinian farmers denied UK visas to attend Fairtrade Fortnight
Three Palestinian farmers have been refused permission to enter the UK. These farmers, whose olive oil is the only one in the world to carry the Fairtrade mark, had been invited by a UK social enterprise, Zaytoun, and were to be accompanied by a leading British NGO.
The refusal to allow these producers from newly certified Fairtrade cooperatives into the UK, to attend events across England, Wales and Scotland, comes exactly one year after Gordon Brown said he was "delighted" by the launch of Fairtrade Fortnight.
One year ago, Brown said: "Olive oil production provides an essential part of the West Bank economy. In buying this oil, British shoppers will be helping the farmers of Palestine to make a living."
The organisers are asking readers to contact their MPs on behalf of the farmers.