MP SUPPPORTS FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT

2.03.00pm GMT Tue 27th Feb 2007

Paul Keetch MP has welcomed Fairtrade Fortnight and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Hereford a Fairtrade city.

Herefordshire was granted fairtrade status by the Fairtrade Foundation in 2006.

There are five conditions Herefordshire met to gain Fairtrade status:

• Herefordshire council passed a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens;

• A range of Fairtrade products are readily available in Herefordshire's shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments;

• Fairtrade products are used by a number of local work places and community organisations;

• Fairtrade has been supported in the local media and by local people;

• A local Fairtrade steering group has been convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Town status.

Paul Keetch MP commented, "As not only an MP but as a consumer I acknowledge how much the Fairtrade mark has done so far, and that is why I have signed a parliamentary motion urging one set of standards across all products that consumers can have confidence in and that will help us make better and more informed decisions as consumers."