KEIGHLEY MP John Grogan has shown his support for Fairtrade.

He attended a celebratory event in parliament, with Bradford Fairtrade Zone chairman Karen Palframan.

The gathering was held to mark the start of national Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday, March 11.

Attendees were able to chat to supporters and campaigners, hear the stories of Fairtrade producers and sample produce.

There was also an opportunity to pose for photos with Fairtrade ambassador Nick Hewer, best known for his roles on Countdown and The Apprentice.

As well as raising awareness of the issue, Fairtrade Fortnight aims to help tackle exploitation facing farmers and producers in developing nations.

With a theme of Come On In, it is striving to show how tough life is for farmers and workers who aren’t paid fairly – and what the public can do to help.

Mr Grogan said: “I was pleased to be able to show my support for Fairtrade, alongside my fellow parliamentarians.

“It was good that two companies – the Co-op and Greggs – with a strong presence in the Keighley constituency, were the main sponsors of the event.

“We can all play a role in ensuring a fair deal for farmers and producers in developing nations simply by making sure we buy Fairtrade products.”

Mrs Palframan said the event was a huge success.

She added: “I was delighted to represent Fairtrade campaigners from across the Yorkshire region – and in particular the Keighley and Ilkley groups – at this special parliamentary cross-party event and to meet up with my local MP John Grogan, who is a great supporter of Fairtrade.

“The strength and diversity of the Fairtrade movement and its real success in delivering sustainable livelihoods for producers was brought home by all the speakers.

“Fairtrade is a multi-faceted partnership and MPs play a crucial role.”

Cheryl McGechie, director of public engagement at the Fairtrade Foundation, stressed the importance of the fortnight.

A host of activities is taking place across the country, including a bake-off event at Haworth tomorrow, March 3.

“This Fairtrade Fortnight we are inviting people to Come On In to find out what Fairtrade does for farmers and see what exploitation looks like when trade doesn’t deliver,” she said.

“There has never been a better time to stand alongside the people who produce the things we love to eat, drink and wear – people who often do not earn enough to feed, or provide for, their own families.

“This unfairness must end. By buying Fairtrade, people are guaranteeing farmers a fair price for their efforts.”

Representatives of both the Co-op and Greggs said the companies were committed to Fairtrade.

Brad Hill, for the Co-op, said: “We have continued to drive the benefits of Fairtrade and we’ll continually look for ways and areas that we can develop to help make a positive impact and life changes for farmers in developing countries.”

And Tony Rowson, head of retail at Greggs, said: “As a responsible business we believe in doing the right thing and are incredibly proud to be a long-standing partner of Fairtrade.”