Flying the Flag for Fairer Trade

	Backing Fairtrade: MPs Rob Wilson and Alok Sharma with Sir Steve Redgrave

Reading's MPs are stringing along with an Olympic gold medallist in a world record attempt to highlight a major campaign.

Reading West MP Alok Sharma and Rob Wilson (Reading East) joined Fairtrade ambassador Sir Steve Redgrave to help make the world’s longest bunting.

The record stands at 2,986 metres and Fairtrade supporters and campaigners nationwide are stretching out for at least 4,350 – that’s more than two-and-a-half miles.

The final jolly effort will be hung up on World Fairtrade Day on May 14, to carry a serious message.

It is to flag up the Fairtrade Foundation’s Great Cotton Stitch-Up campaign, which wants to see an end to European cotton subsidies to give West African cotton producers a better deal.

Mr Sharma said: “It is not right that West African farmers who earn less than one dollar a day cannot use their farming skills to trade their way out of poverty.

“From the amount of Fairtrade goods in our shops I know trade justice is something residents really care about.”

Mr Wilson said: “I am proud to be backing Fairtrade Fortnight and the bid to break the bunting record.

“Behind this campaign is a serious message to end unfair cotton subsidies and to make trade fair.”