The MP for Stourbridge attended St Thomas’ Church in Market Street to meet organisers and members of the public to mark Fairtrade Fortnight.

For two weeks each year thousands of individuals, companies, and groups across the UK join forces to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, and who grow cotton in our clothes.

Suzanne also visited Fair and Square in the Ryemarket Shopping Centre. The independent store sources all of their items ethically and as a result helps reduce poverty in Third World countries.

She said: “I was delighted to join organisers and the community at St Thomas’ Church for Fairtrade fortnight. It is important to support the Fairtrade initiative where possible, as it encourages better working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. Stourbridge is proudly the borough’s first Fairtrade town and the organisers of this festival deserve to be recognised for their commitment to this project.

“The Government remains committed to investing into Fairtrade – demonstrated by the £20.2 million commitment to strengthen the global system between 2010 and 2018. I am encouraged that the Government works with the British Retail Consortium to help retailers ensure their supply chains are ethically sourced.”