Peter Soulsby welcomed the Labour government’s plan to boost funding for the Fairtrade labelling system and urged shoppers in Leicester to look for the Fairtrade Mark on food, gifts and other products in the shops.

Over 4,500 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade Mark and there are over 460 producer organisations selling to the UK, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers in developing countries. The government’s latest investment will bring another 1 million producers into the scheme and enable 7 million more people in poor countries to benefit from a better deal offered by Fairtrade.

Sir Peter Soulsby said: “Small changes in our shopping habits can make a big difference to the world’s poorest people. By buying food, gifts and other products from developing countries we will help grow their economies and reduce poverty.”

“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.”

In October 2009 Peter Soulsby joined International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, to open the Just Fairtrade shop in St Martins Square. The shop which was founded in 200- had moved from its premises in Bishop Street.

Friday February 26 2010

Sir Peter Soulsby MP welcomes today’s announcement by the Transport Select Committee to recommend the electrification of the Midland Main Line railway.

The Committee recommended that the further electrification of the rail network, particularly the Midland Main Line, should be given top priority.

Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, has campaigned tirelessly for the electrification of the Midland Main Line. Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The benefits that such an upgrade to the Midland Main Line will bring to Leicester are immense. It will mean even faster connections direct from Leicester to London and Eurostar at St Pancras.”

Peter, who is a member of the Transport Select Committee, added: “I was delighted when I persuaded the Select Committee to look at the priorities for rail investment. The evidence we heard for the electrification of the Midland Main Line was overwhelming in its favour.”

“I will now campaign to make sure that the Government responds positively and commits itself to electrifying our line.”

Monday February 15 2010

Sir Peter Soulsby MP welcomes the Government's recent announcement to further extend its drive to tackle repossessions.

Leicester is one of 30 cities where the special helpline number and the Government's repossessions help website will be advertised on the local radio and the local press.

Sir Peter Soulsby, MP for Leicester South, said: “This advertising campaign will benefit the home owners in Leicester who may be under pressure, especially following the Christmas period. People across the City can get the free, impartial advice they need online or on the phone.”

“This further initiative demonstrates the Government's commitment to help homeowners who are struggling with mortgage repayments. The Government's measures to date have resulted in repossessions currently running at nearly half the rate of the previous recession. Demonstrating that Labour provides real help for real people.”

Monday February 1 2010