CHURCHGOERS from the Vale were forced to lobby Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff in the rain outside the Houses of Parliament last week because security arrangements could not cope with the sheer numbers.

A delegation from Evesham churches voiced their Fair Trade concerns to the MP as part of a mass lobby of Parliament about the issue.

The protesters had to brave the elements because of strict security screening arrangements for the visitors.

And their MP paid tribute to those who travelled to the capital.

"It absolutely makes a difference," he said, "the fact so many protesters were gathered to lobby so many MPs makes a big difference.

"The Make Poverty History campaign would not be where it is and the level of political interest would not be so high without groups like those from Evesham."

The Evesham churchgoers say developing countries should not be forced into opening their markets and privatising services and instead should be allowed to choose their own policies to protect the poor and the environment.

Mr Luff chairs the Trade and Industry Committee which is set to investigate the World Trade Talks due to be held in Hong Kong next month.

He promised to raise the lobbyists concerns with EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson in Brussels later in the month and add his name to two Commons motions on Fair Trade aimed at persuading the EU and the USA to abandon protectionist trade policies like Europe's Common Agricultural Policy.

The MP said he feared rich countries are preaching free trade to the third world but not practising it, instead using trade distorting subsidies and dumping surplus products on world markets.

"Too many European countries like France are proving real obstacles to change EU policy," said Mr Luff.

"Countries like France and the US have been particularly monstrous and are clever at protecting their trade."