City MP's plea for stores to back Fairtrade

AN Edinburgh MP has called for more Fairtrade products in supermarkets and an end to unfair trade barriers, ahead of a major Westminster report on the issue.

John Barrett was a member of the International Development Select Committee when it questioned representatives from multinationals including Starbucks and Tesco, as part of the wide-ranging investigation.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the all-party group's report, Mr Barrett called on supermarkets to stock more Fairtrade products and encouraged the public do their bit to support the brand.

Edinburgh West MP Mr Barrett, who was recently promoted to Liberal Democrat spokesman on international development, said: "Buying Fairtrade really does make a difference. People know that they are putting money directly into the pockets of those who need our help most.

"We also need to make sure international trading conditions are fair and not rigged in favour of richer nations."