MP Robert Jackson poses with the scales of justice along with a lobby group from the trade justice movement.

Robert Jackson with members of the trade justice movement

A 30-strong deputation from Mr Jackson's Wantage constituency met him at Didcot Civic Hall to discuss fair trade issues.

The meeting was chaired by Sjoerd Vogt, of the Justice and Peace Group of the Blessed Hugh Church.

Mr Vogt, of Faringdon, said: "We found common ground with Mr Jackson over opposition to European Common Agricultural Policy subsidies which lead to overproduction and the consequent dumping of surplus food mountains on poor countries."

The Conservative MP said he was in favour of free trade but supported the principle of special arrangements to help the development of poorer countries.

Trade justice campaigners, co-ordinated by the Witney and District Christian Aid Group, also lobbied Witney MP David Cameron.

A spokesman for the group, Paul Langley, said: "International trade rules are keeping millions of people in poverty."