Praise from MEP as North East Leads Fair Trade Growth
Fiona Hall, the North East's Liberal Democrat member of the European Parliament has praised the work of North East organisation Traidcraft.
This week the European Parliament voted on a report calling for European-level action in support of the Fair Trade movement.
After speaking in the debate, Ms Hall signed up to the campaign to "show a red card" to exploitative child labour. Fair Trade branded goods are produced with respect for social and environmental standards, and guarantee the producers a fair price for their products.
Ms Hall said: "Fair Trade is a success story. The value of Fair Trade products sold in the UK doubled between 2002 and 2004.
"Gateshead-based Traidcraft have been a key force driving this massive growth in Fair Trade. They have given impetus to many successful North East campaigns to become 'Fair Trade towns'."
North East towns/cities with Fair Trade status are Hartlepool, Newcastle Upon Tyne and Morpeth.
Those working towards Fair Trade town status include Chester le Street, Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Stockton and Alnwick.