European Parliament
McGuinness (PPE-DE ).
Mr President, my comments relate to the remarks made earlier on fair trade. The European Union is about to introduce a reform of the sugar regime, which will have serious implications for European farmers and sugar workers if it goes ahead as planned.
However, there are wider issues here. I have learned that in Brazil the handful of sugar barons who control the sugar industry are licking their lips in anticipation at our proposed reforms, whereas those who service that industry – the workers and the landless – are living in fear and trepidation of their situation worsening. We must not facilitate that process. I would urge that when we enter into the detailed negotiations on sugar we not only consider the economic and trade issues but also take on board the social and moral dimensions of our decisions.

