Co-operative movement 'not a relic of the past'

The co-operative movement began with a small shop run by the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers' Society

The need for co-operatives and the work they do for communities around the world is still as great as ever, members of the movement have been told on the 180th anniversary of its formation.

Supporters gathered in Rochdale, the town in Greater Manchester where the movement was born in 1844.

The event in Toad Lane also saw the launch of a Fund for International Co-operative Development (FICD).

The Co-operative Group said the fund would both help communities rebuild after going through a range of crises, and encourage sustainable economic development.

'Global mission'

The Rochdale Pioneers came together 180 years ago with the aim of combatting high prices and poor food quality.

Co-operatives were able to combine their buying power, with the benefits shared among members.

Paul Gerrard, campaigns and public affairs director at Co-op Group, said: "There have been few times in history where the world has faced so many threats - be it from conflict, climate change or poverty.

"From Rwanda to Palestine, co-operatives have rebuilt communities, showing that peace is possible through democratic, inclusive enterprise."

Paul Waugh, Labour and Co-Operative MP for Rochdale, added: "It's a constant source of pride in Rochdale that we are the birthplace of the co-operative movement.

"But co-ops are a living, breathing thing - not a relic of the past."

The new FICD "underlines the global nature of our mission", said Waugh.

Next year will be the United Nations' International Year of Co-operatives.