MP plays Oxfam spot the ball for poverty in Cheadle Hulme

2.04.34pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Mar 2006

Cheadle MP Mark Hunter showed his support for development agency Oxfam on Saturday March 11 at the Oxfam Shop in Cheadle Hulme.

Mr Hunter was at the shop to play Oxfam's 'Spot the Ball' competition- the latest phase of its Make Trade Fair Campaign- a favourite of Coldplay's Chris Martin.

"If Mr Hunter wins, his prize will be a Fairtrade sports ball signed by a sports star. But what's more, his support to make international trading rules fairer for poor countries gives farmers in places like Zambia a chance of winning too," said Elisa Noguera, Assistant Manager at the Oxfam Shop in Cheadle Hulme".

"As a Member of Parliament's Trade and Industry Select Committee, Mark is in a position of influence for Oxfam's goals to reduce poverty through trade. The Government's views on trade, advised by the Select Committee, are represented in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks by Peter Mandelson, EU Trade Commissioner. And over the next few months, the WTO will be deciding the outcome to the latest round of talks, the so-called Doha Development Round. So Mr Hunter's support for Oxfam and pressure via the Government via Mr Mandelson is vital at this time".

Notes:

Oxfam's 'Spot the Ball' competition can be played at www.oxfam.org.uk and click on Fairtrade. More information about Make Trade Fair at www.maketradefair.com

Elisa Noguera is the Assistant Manager of the Cheadle Hulme Oxfam Shop. She can be contacted on 0161 485 3009. Address for the shop is 23 The Precinct, Cheadle Hulme SK8 5BB.

This story has been put together by Oxfam Campaigns, Manchester. Please contact Chris Worrall there on 0161 234 2792/07970 659 328 for more information.