Hull MP backs Fairtrade Fortnight

On the eve of Fairtrade Fortnight, Hull North MP Diana Johnson has encouraged Hull people to buy Fair Trade products.

Diana joined Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development, to support this year's Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from 25 February to 9 March.

Diana Johnson MP also welcomed the Government's announcement of further support to the Fair Trade movement and urged Hull constituents to match this commitment.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Hull is a Fair Trade city and rightly so. Fair Trade helps support seven million people in the developing world.

"Our shopping habits can make a real difference to the World's poorest people. Although I also support buying more locally produced food within the UK to help combat climate change, of the food and other imported goods sold in the UK it is great that an increasing proportion comes from developing countries under the Fair Trade label. This will help grow their economies and reduce poverty.

"Already the UK's demand for African fruit and vegetables benefits a million farmers and their families. By consumers and retailers acting together to promote and buy goods from developing countries we can continue making a real difference in the fight against poverty."