SWINDON MP Julia Drown has backed a campaign to scrap the controversial multi-billion pound Common Agri-cultural Policy.

She threw her support behind the reform drive, which is being headed by Michael Wills, Swindon's other Labour MP.

Ms Drown, who takes a high-profile role in fighting poverty, said the CAP was hitting poor farmers in the neediest nations.

She said: "There is no doubt the massive subsidies given to European farmers undermines the basic livelihood of millions of the poorest countries in the world."

The South Swindon MP, who serves as chairwoman of the all-party parliamentary committee on heavily indebted poor countries, said: "Something has to be done to change the policy and the more pressure that can be brought to bear, the better.

"I will be supporting Michael and working with him in parliament to deal with this issue."

Her comments come after Mr Wills unveiled an internet campaign dedicated to scrapping the CAP. He urged town residents to visit his website, www.scrapthecap.com, and cast a vote on whether the policy should be dumped.