The council is to look at buying fairtrade goods only

The city council is looking to become an example to other local organisations by making sure the goods it buys in are not the result of producer exploitation.

It has also agreed to support firms and groups that already subscribe to the fairtrade ethos.

The stance could help the city become officially recognised by the national Fairtrade Foundation as a "Fairtrade city".

Greater equality

Councillor Liz Mizon, who is the council's cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: "Ultimately we would like to make Southampton a Fairtrade city.

"This council has a proud record of tackling inequality and unfairness, and some practices in international trade undoubtedly contribute to the poor remaining poor.

"The council will work in its own way to fighting this to ensure that through fairtrade there is greater equality.

"We want to see individuals, producers and countries rewarded fairly for their efforts and not bullied into accepting second rate practices and low rates for their produce."

Fairtrade is a trading partnership that works for greater equality between producers, suppliers and consumers in international trade.