“More fair trade for the North West"

North West Labour Euro MP Brian Simpson has taken the campaign for Fairtrade products to the European Parliament in Brussels, during Fairtrade Fortnight 2011 (28th February to 13th March).

As the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight gets underway, countless events are taking place across the North West to highlight the benefits of buying fair trade products.

Mr Simpson took the campaign to Brussels by taking part in an attempt to break the world record for the world’s longest - and fairest - string of bunting.

To secure the world record, 308,000 individual bunting flags, made of Fair Trade cotton triangles and decorated by groups across the UK, will be sewn together to make a 40 mile long statement on the importance of Fairtrade and draw attention to the 10 million West African people earning a living from the cotton trade, with many receiving less than £250 a year.

“When we choose to eat, drink or wear fair trade products we help change the lives of millions of farmers, workers and their families in developing countries", said Labour's Mr Simpson.

“It is not only governments who can support fair trade, we can all make a difference. That is why Fairtrade fortnight is so important and I'm encouraging people in the North West to consider the power they have to play a part in changing lives for the better”, added Mr Simpson.

By requiring companies to pay fair and sustainable prices for goods, Fairtrade ensures decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in the developing world. The UK is one of the world’s leading Fairtrade markets, with more products and more awareness of Fairtrade than anywhere else. Around 20% of roast and ground coffee, and 20% of bananas sold in the UK are now Fairtrade. The UK market is doubling in value every 2 years, and in 2007 reached an estimated retail value of £493 million.