Andy Reed MP this week confirmed that he has pledged his support to the Fairtrade Foundation’s Fairtrade Fortnight in March.

The Charnwood Action For Fairtrade committee has organised a series of events over the fortnight under the banner of this year’s unifying slogan, “Check out Fairtrade”.

On Saturday 5th March, Andy will take part in a Fairtrade Coffee Shop Crawl, aimed at publicising and encouraging the use of Fairtrade in the local area.

Reed said:

“The Fairtrade Foundation is the independent body that awards the Fairtrade Mark to products. This year they are encouraging everyone to check out the guarantees behind the Fairtrade Mark and the range of Fairtrade produce now available.

Making Poverty History and Britain’s presidency of the G8 and the EU have placed the battle against poverty at the forefront of the international political landscape for 2005. But there are also great opportunities for us all to participate on a local level in the fight for trade justice.

I applaud the efforts of the Charnwood Action For Fairtrade committee in raising local awareness of the need for fairtrade and pledge them my wholehearted support. Let’s make Charnwood a Fairtrade borough.”

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

Andy Reed will attend the Fairtrade Coffee Shop Crawl at 10am beginning at Loughborough Town Hall

For more information on Fairtrade, see www.fairtrade.org.uk