Mark today encouraged people in Edinburgh and Leith to buy even more Fairtrade products during Fairtrade Fortnight which begins today, Monday, 23rd February, and lasts until 8th March.

Mark said: ‘Edinburgh was Scotland's first Fairtrade City, and I hope we can all help make this year's Fairtrade Fortnight in Edinburgh bigger and better than ever.’

He said: 'we can do a lot both locally and as government to promote Fairtrade. There is a vibrant community-based Fairtrade movement here in Edinburgh. This is supported particularly strongly by young people, and in this connection I am delighted to see that St Thomas of Aquins High School has now achieved recognition as Edinburgh's first Fairtrade secondary school.'

At national level, I also welcome the UK Government’s announcement of further support to the Fairtrade movement which has amounted to £2 million since 1997 out of £12 million overall to develop ethical trade initiatives. I hope local people and communities will match this commitment and buy more Fairtrade products.'

Mark continued: ‘During this global economic downturn, it is vital that the world's poor do not become victims of trade wars and protectionism.

‘Our shopping habits can make a real difference to the world’s poorest people. Fairtrade helps support 7.5 million people in the developing world.

‘By buying food and other products from developing countries we will help their economies to grow and reduce poverty.

‘Already the UK’s demand for African fruit and vegetables benefits a million farmers and their families. When consumers and retailers act together to promote and buy goods from developing countries, we can make a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.’

For information on Fairtrade Fortnight and trade justice in general, visit the Fair Trade Foundation’s website at http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/