NCVO is supporting Co-operatives Fortnight

We are proud to be supporting a new petition which calls for co-operative action to narrow the gap between the rich and poor in the UK.

With the gap at its highest since records began, the petition aims to get 100,000 people calling for national debate on narrowing the gap through action to share ownership and wealth in a co-operative way.

The petition was launched outside the Bank of England by leading figures from the co-operative sector including Len Wardle, Chair of the Co-operative Group, Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK and representatives, young and old, from the co-operative sector and NGOs.

The petition is being launched in the run up to Co-operatives Fortnight (25 June to 9 July 2011), the co-operative sector’s national campaign. With its theme of Yours to Share, the Fortnight is supported by co-operatives across the UK – businesses that give everyday employees, customers and residents an equal say in decisions and a share in the profits.

Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), said: “We are delighted to be lending our support to Co-operatives Fortnight. Co-operatives have an integral role to play in building the good society, as they promote social justice and inspire people to make a positive difference to their communities.”

The petition can be signed and shared at www.uk.coop/yourstoshare/petition.