A YORK MP has attended an event to celebrate the start of Fairtrade Fortnight.

Rachael Maskell visited the event, sponsored by the Co-op, at Parliament, met with supporters and campaigners and heard stories of Fairtrade producers.

She also met Fairtrade Ambassador Nick Hewer, famous for his roles on Countdown and The Apprentice, who is promoting Fairtrade Fortnight 2018 to challenge the British public to adopt Fairtrade and support farmers and producers in developing nations.

The nationwide campaign ‘Come On In’ runs until Sunday March 11, and aims to explore how businesses, farmers, workers and shoppers can come together through Fairtrade to prevent the exploitation of farmers and suppliers, with events around the country including breakfasts, breaks and bake-offs.

Ms Maskell said: "Fairtrade Fortnight is a hugely important event and I would encourage the people of York to get involved wherever they can.

"There are also a number of Fairtrade events taking place in cafes and community centres across the city as well as in our schools and universities. I hope everyone will support these. I will be meeting with York Fair Trade Forum in April to talk about the need to promote trade justice and how we can all make a difference."

Cheryl McGechie, director of public engagement for The Fairtrade Foundation, said: "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.

"This unfairness must end. By buying Fairtrade you are guaranteeing farmers a fair price for their efforts. This Fairtrade Fortnight ‘Come On In’ to Fairtrade."