Dear MP…
Dear Ms T Debbonaire,
I’m a member of your constituent in East Bristol. I really value what you do in my community around fair treatment of refugees and ending domestic violence.
You can find your local MP here.
I have to ask, given your top priority is tackling the climate and ecological emergency, how are you campaigning for a fairer, more sustainable fashion industry?
As I am sure you know, the fashion industry is exploitative of people and harmful to the environment – on a local and global scale.
On the 8th of June, the British Fashion Council held an event in Parliament to ‘celebrate sustainable fashion’. The outcome saw prime-minister Boris Johnson pledge £80 million pounds towards supporting an initiative created by The BFC in partnership with the UK Textile Association and Innovate UK.
What is happening in Bristol to support a better industry?
Many academics, politicians, and recycling specialists attended the Downing Street event. Boris Johnson made an official statement after the event, saying that… “the UK fashion industry is a big contributor to the economy and to Britain… I am delighted to support this brilliant industry… bringing opportunities across the UK to meet our Government Action Plan of environmental and societal change…”
This is the first time we have seen Boris address the fashion industry and linking it to a plan of environmental and social change. Stephanie Phair (chair of the BFC) noted that the fashion industry here in the UK has not yet had any support from the government – and that it is now time for the government to help the industry tackle climate change.
Is this something you can help to push in the House of Commons?
The programme is set to last for 10 years, focussing on creating a world leading circular fashion and textiles eco-system in the UK. It will do this by investing in skills, innovative business ideas and regional regeneration – all alongside an industry-led centre of excellence. By doing this, the programme hopes to embrace broader systematic change and create many more opportunities for UK manufacturing and keeping bringing skills back to Britain.
The programme involves many different organisations, Innovate UK, UK Research & innovation, the Natural Environment Research Council, and Arts & Humanities Research Council, the department for environment, food & rural affairs, the department for business, energy & industrial strategy, the department for digital, culture, media & sport, the British Retail Consortium, and WRAP (Textiles 2030) and the Institute of Positive Fashion… (phew!) With this many influential organisations involved; it promises to be a real game-changer in the UK fashion industry.
Fashion is relative to everyone, so I really hope that you are able to do what you can to support this initiative and keep the pressure on Parliament to keep things moving in the right direction for fashion.
I look forward to your response!
Your’s sincerely,
Amber Rochette
