Lilian Greenwood MP has joined Fairtrade Ambassador and five time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Steve Redgrave, in Parliament in a bid to break the record for the world’s longest bunting.

The world record attempt is to mark this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight and to highlight the Fairtrade Foundation’s ‘Great Cotton Stitch-Up’ campaign - a drive to end unfair European cotton subsidies.

The record for the world’s longest bunting is currently 2,986 metres.  Fairtrade campaigners and supporters around the country are aiming to reach at least 4,350 metres – over two and a half miles!

The final bunting will be displayed on World Fairtrade Day, 14 May.

Lilian Greenwood said:

‘I know trade justice is something people in Nottingham really care about and I am proud to be backing Fairtrade this Fortnight and their bid to break the bunting record.'

‘Behind this campaign is a serious message to make trade fair for producers in the developing world and help some of the poorest cotton farmers make a decent living from their work.’

Sir Steve Redgrave adds:

‘I am delighted that Lilian Greenwood MP is backing Fairtrade’s campaign.  I have visited West African cotton farmers in Mali and I have seen how hard it is make a living from cotton already.  Farmers there are not asking for a handout, just a level playing field so they can improve their families and communities through hard work.

‘Working together we can end these subsidies and make their live just a little bit easier.’