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T: 01686 625527 / 02920 898342 |
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'...knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens...' (Jimi Hendix) |
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Mick Bates |
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Press Releases 2006 |
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| 2007 |
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As Tesco announce half year profits of £1.1bn Welsh Liberal Democrat AM, Mick Bates have called for major supermarkets to become the “green giants of the modern age.” In recent months the Montgomeryshire AM, who sits on the Assembly’s Environment, Planning and Countryside and Social Justice and Regeneration committees has been campaigning to make supermarkets greener. Commenting Mick said: “The easiest thing for me or any other politician to do is condemn large supermarket chains like Tesco for taking over the market. They have after all become something of Incredible Hulks. Just look at the example of the Welsh dairy industry, where farmers have seen their profits slashed so much that they barely make a living. Just look at the carbon emissions they generate from importing food from all over the world. Just look at the waste they generate on their packaging. “For years we have been trying cap the growth of supermarkets, while forgetting one simple truth – people actually like them! Over the last few years they have gained an understanding of what the consumer wants and have made it accessible and at low cost. “Supermarkets are here to stay. Our challenge now is to work with them to ensure they perform to the highest possible environmental standards. That means reducing food miles and promoting local produce. That means reducing waste and recycling that which is generated. That means promoting the principles of fair trade to ensure produces, including Welsh farmers, receive a fair price for their produce. “I am currently seeking to establish a Welsh “Sustainable Supermarkets Forum” that will work with supermarkets and encourage them to compete on green issues to become the “green giants of the modern age”.
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