Representatives of the 2356percent campaign and Wonga.com plan to meet to discuss the issues surrounding short-term 'payday' loans, following an invitation from the lender yesterday.

Campaign organiser, Ian Thomas, has welcomed Wonga's move. He said: "This is a welcome opportunity to understand more about Wonga's business and how this influences the offering of short-term loans which our campaign considers to be expensive and unfair to consumers. At the same time, it provides us with an opportunity to explain how our campaign came about and what its long-term ambitions are."

He added: "I expect the conversation to be constructive and worthwhile for both sides of this debate. Wonga is under no obligation to meet with the campaign and the fact that it is willing to do so is very positive. It suggests that it is a business that is willing to listen as well as take the time to explain why it considers itself to be a responsible lender."

Liberal Democrat Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Jo Swinson MP, has become the first Member of Parliament to back the 2356percent Facebook campaign calling for fair payday loan APRs.

The East Dunbartonshire MP (pictured above) has joined more than 220 members of the campaign's Facebook group - launched just one month ago - who are concerned about the typical APRs being offered by short-term 'payday' lenders like Quickquid.co.uk (2,356%) and Wonga.com (2,689%).

Jo said: "Despite all the lessons that we should have learned from the liquidity crisis, it's alarming that potentially irresponsible lending and inappropriate borrowing continues to thrive. It is not simply an issue of the high cost of the loans in terms of money, but the high social and emotional costs upon relationships, families, homes and communities of either failing to manage any resulting debt or being drawn into a cycle of habitual borrowing.

"I understand that the Office of Fair Trading is expected to report on its review of the short-term sub-prime lending market soon. I wish the 2356percent campaign every success in seeking to influence the debate over the fairness of existing short-term lending practices and the need to create new ways for people on low incomes to borrow at a much lower cost and at less risk to their financial well-being."

Campaign organiser, Ian Thomas, said: "I'm sure every member of our campaign will be as delighted as I am that Jo has chosen to join the Facebook group. It's a huge boost to have the backing of such a significant public figure.

"It is support from people like Jo that is sustaining the momentum which we have begun to build thanks to the Facebook Group. It's a great way to enable lots of people - each individually alarmed by the cost of payday loans - to gather together and play their part in influencing the future shape of short-term lending in the UK."

To join in the Campaign simply follow the link and click 'Join Group' here: 2356percent at Facebook