TWO Dorset-based tea companies have joined others across the industry to take a stand against racism in ‘solidaritea’.

Clipper Teas and Dorset Tea have thrown their support behind the #solidaritea hashtag which has been brewing on social media as tea brands endorsed the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

The solidaritea hashtag, which has been trending on Twitter, began after Yorkshire Tea responded to a tweet which said: “I’m dead chuffed that Yorkshire Tea hasn’t supported BLM.”

Yorkshire Tea replied with: “Please don’t buy our tea again.

“We’re taking some time to educate ourselves and plan proper action before we post. We stand against racism. #BlackLivesMatter”

Another twitter user, called Pamela, responded to this by saying: “So now I’ve got to buy PG Tips??

“This sucks. And Yorkshire Tea is done.”

PG Tips then responded: “Yeah it does suck, Pamela. If you are boycotting teas that stand against racism, you’re going to have to find two new tea brands now. #blacklivesmatter #solidaritea.”

The hashtag has been picked up by thousands of Twitter users online and has been trending across the UK.

Now, Beaminster-based Clipper and Dorset Tea, which started in Bournemouth, has joined the growing number of tea brands throwing their support behind the solidaritea movement.

A Clipper Teas spokesperson said: “We are proud of our industry for taking a stand against racism. As a business built on inclusivity and fairness, we support the #solidaritea movement and believe any unfairness, including racism is unacceptable.”

A spokesperson for Dorset Tea said: “At Dorset Tea we stand with our friends in solidaritea and support any company that objects to discrimination, in any form. This is an integral part of our core values and we are incredibly proud to work with our global family.”

Black Lives Matter protests have been taking place across the world in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

A video showed Mr Floyd being arrested and a white police officer continuing to kneel on his neck for several minutes even after he pleaded that he could not breathe.