The King's Speech: A Progressive Vision, But What About Fashion?
The King's Speech delivered a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on economic stability, social justice, and national renewal. This speech set a clear path for the government’s mission to create a fairer, greener, and more prosperous United Kingdom. It resonated with the change Labour promised throughout their campaign. Yet, as we at Fashion Roundtable digest the details, we are left asking: what about fashion and the creative industry? Our Policy Researcher, Michelle Kazi, gives her take.
Economic Stability and Growth
The King's Speech introduced the Budget Responsibility Bill and the National Wealth Fund Bill to ensure fiscal prudence and boost investment across the UK. These measures aim to create a stable economic environment, which is crucial for the fashion industry's growth. By mobilising significant investments, these initiatives can foster a more predictable and supportive business climate, essential for fashion retailers and manufacturers to plan long-term investments in innovation and infrastructure.
However, the speech falls short in addressing the specific needs of the fashion sector, such as local procurement and investment in UK manufacturing. Without explicit measures to bolster fashion manufacturing, the sector may struggle to compete with international counterparts and fully realise the benefits of a robust local supply chain.
Social Justice and Employment Rights
The Employment Rights Bill promises significant improvements in working conditions, including banning zero-hour contracts and ensuring flexible working conditions. These measures directly benefit garment workers and retail staff, fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Ensuring fair wages and job security can attract more talent to the industry, promoting a healthier and more equitable fashion sector.
Sustainability
The establishment of Great British Energy and support for sustainable aviation fuel production are significant steps towards a greener economy. By investing in clean energy and promoting green initiatives, these measures align with the fashion industry's push towards sustainability. This can help fashion brands reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability targets, enhancing the industry's reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Despite these positive steps, the King's Speech does not directly address the fashion sector's specific needs for sustainability. To truly advance sustainability in fashion, targeted policies are essential.
Support for Creative Industries
While the speech mentions harnessing artificial intelligence for growth, it lacks specific measures to support the creative industries, including fashion. Protecting creative intellectual property and ensuring inclusivity in the fashion sector are critical issues that need government attention. Robust IP regulations are pivotal for maintaining the UK's leadership in fashion.
Regenerating High Streets
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to streamline planning processes, potentially benefiting retail by accelerating the development of commercial spaces. However, the speech does not specifically address the regeneration of high streets—a critical issue for fashion retailers facing declining foot traffic and increasing online competition. Effective regeneration strategies are needed to revitalise high streets and support local businesses.
The Importance of the Fashion Industry
Fashion is the UK's most economically significant creative sector, generating approximately £60 billion annually—nearly half of the total economic impact from the UK's creative industries. It supports 1.3 million jobs across the country, from the cultivation of raw materials to the bustling retail landscape. This industry is a vital contributor to regional economies, with Scotland alone seeing 2,000 more fashion businesses open between 2021 and 2023. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the fashion industry remains resilient and continues to grow.
The fashion industry also plays a crucial role in sustainability and innovation. With the public increasingly concerned about climate change, fashion is adapting rapidly. From sustainable manufacturing practices to the rise of pre-loved clothing, the industry is making significant strides towards reducing its environmental impact. The government's support for these initiatives is essential for the continued success and sustainability of the fashion sector.
Recommendations
To enhance the government's progressive work, we recommend the following:
Support Local Manufacturing: Introduce measures to support the on-shoring of fashion manufacturing, including tax incentives for British-made goods and investment in UK manufacturing.
Sustainability Initiatives: Implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for fashion and textiles and support sustainable fashion exports.
Regenerate High Streets: Develop targeted strategies for high street regeneration, including Social Value Leases and amendments to the Companies Act to protect local businesses.
Protect Intellectual Property: Enforce robust IP regulations to safeguard creative designs and innovations.
Facilitate Trade and Talent Mobility: Ensure frictionless travel for fashion talent and reduce red tape for transporting goods between the UK and the EU.
Conclusion
The King's Speech outlines a broad and ambitious legislative agenda aimed at fostering economic stability, social justice, and environmental sustainability across the UK. While the proposed bills set a strong foundation, additional targeted policies are needed to fully support the fashion industry. By recognising and addressing these needs, we can ensure that the UK's fashion sector continues to thrive and contribute to a fairer, greener, and more prosperous United Kingdom. It is time for the government to embrace the broader goals outlined in the King's Speech and include the fashion industry in its vision for change.
Op-Ed by Michelle Kazi: Consumer Power: How Your Choices Shape the Fashion Industry
As a former advisor to a government treasury minister, a campaign manager for over three years, and a veteran political activist, I have witnessed the seismic shifts that occur when policy, activism, and consumer behaviour converge. The fashion industry, a multi-trillion-pound global behemoth, is at a crossroads. With a new government freshly installed following the recent general election, the time is ripe for transformative change. As consumers, your choices hold unparalleled power to influence this industry's trajectory. This is not hyperbole; it is a call to arms, an invitation to harness your purchasing power to drive ethical and sustainable change.
The Power of the Purse
Every purchase is a vote. When you opt for brands that champion sustainability, fair labour practices, and transparency, you are not merely buying a product; you are endorsing a vision for the future. This consumer demand has already begun to reshape the industry. Brands that once thrived on opacity and exploitation are now scrambling to adapt to a market that values ethical integrity. This is consumer power in action, and it is formidable.
Consider the impact of your choices on a global scale. The shift towards ethical consumption has led to a burgeoning market for sustainable goods, forcing even the largest brands to rethink their practices. Your decision to support these brands creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to follow suit. This collective consumer action can drive industry-wide change, making sustainability the norm rather than the exception. Just as every vote counts in an election, every purchase counts in shaping the future of fashion.
Policy Meets Consumer Demand
Politicians, too, have a critical role to play. My tenure as an advisor taught me that policy can be a catalyst for change. Legislation that incentivises sustainable practices, enforces stringent labour laws, and penalises environmental degradation can create an ecosystem where responsible businesses flourish. Consider the impact of the EU's ban on hazardous chemicals in textiles or France's anti-waste law that prohibits the destruction of unsold clothes. These policies are direct responses to consumer advocacy and have set new benchmarks for the industry.
With a new government in place, there is a unique opportunity to introduce bold policies that support sustainable fashion. Lawmakers must seize this moment to enact regulations that prioritise environmental and social responsibility. By aligning policy with consumer demand, the government can create a robust framework that encourages innovation and sustainability in the fashion industry. The excitement and dynamism of a political campaign should be harnessed to push for these changes, ensuring that the momentum is maintained.
Activism and Advocacy
Activists have long been the vanguard of ethical fashion. Their relentless campaigns have exposed the dark underbelly of fast fashion—sweatshops, environmental devastation, and human rights abuses. The ripple effect of their work is evident. As consumers rally behind these causes, the combined pressure on brands becomes irresistible. The collapse of Rana Plaza in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, sparked a global outcry that led to the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh. This is activism translating into tangible, life-saving outcomes.
In the current political climate, activism is more crucial than ever. The new government presents an opportunity for activists to engage with policymakers and advocate for stronger protections and regulations. By working together, activists and politicians can drive meaningful change, ensuring that the fashion industry operates with greater transparency and accountability. The energy and passion of a successful campaign can galvanise public support and translate into lasting legislative impact.
The Role of Education and Transparency
Knowledge is power. When consumers are educated about the ramifications of their choices, they wield their purchasing power more judiciously. Transparency is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. Brands must provide clear, accessible information about their supply chains, material sources, and labour conditions. This is not just about corporate responsibility; it is about consumer empowerment.
Education initiatives can bridge the gap between consumers and the complexities of the fashion supply chain. By demystifying the process and highlighting the impact of ethical choices, we can foster a more informed and engaged consumer base. This, in turn, puts pressure on brands to maintain high standards of transparency and ethical conduct. Just as voter education is crucial in a campaign, consumer education is essential in the fight for a sustainable fashion industry.
A Call to Action for Politicians and Activists
For my colleagues in the corridors of power, the mandate is clear: enact robust legislation that compels the fashion industry to uphold ethical standards. This includes mandating supply chain transparency, providing subsidies for sustainable innovations, and imposing hefty penalties for non-compliance. For activists, the mission is to keep the pressure on—continue to educate, agitate, and mobilise. The synergy between policy, activism, and consumer behaviour can create an unstoppable force for good.
The recent general election has set the stage for a new era of policy and activism. This is a critical juncture where the efforts of consumers, politicians, and activists can converge to drive systemic change. By working together, we can build a fashion industry that is both sustainable and equitable. The dynamism of a political campaign, with its focus on mobilisation and engagement, can serve as a powerful model for this effort.
Conclusion
The power to revolutionise the fashion industry lies in a triad of forces: consumers, policymakers, and activists. Each choice, each policy, and each campaign contributes to a larger movement towards a sustainable and ethical fashion ecosystem. The stakes are high, but so is the potential for profound impact. Your choices today will shape the fashion industry of tomorrow, creating a legacy where fashion is a force for positive change. Let us harness this power collectively to craft a future we can all be proud of.
The recent general election has shown us that even with just 34% of the vote, a strategic shift can result in a seismic transfer of power. Labour's sweeping victory, capturing 411 seats with the simple slogan "change," underscores a profound truth: collective action, no matter how small it may seem individually, can lead to monumental outcomes. Just as every vote in an election contributes to the final result, every consumer action can drive the fashion industry towards a more ethical and sustainable future.
Our new political landscape serves as a powerful reminder: the smallest strategic shifts in our behaviour can instigate significant change. As consumers, each of us holds the power to influence industry practices and standards. Our collective demand for transparency, sustainability, and fairness in fashion can redefine the industry. The lesson from the recent election is clear: when we unite around a common purpose, the impact can be transformative. Your choice, your voice, your vote as a consumer—each one counts, each one is a step towards a better world.
Instagram Announcement - A New Interview Series: Fashion Roundtable x United Nations Global Compact Network Event In-Depth Interviews
Earlier this month, Fashion Roundtable, in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network UK, held a pivotal event aimed at addressing the pressing issues in the fashion industry and exploring sustainable practices. This event brought together key stakeholders from business, government, academia, and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable fashion and the role that politics and business must play to create a better, more sustainable world.
We are thrilled to announce that Fashion Roundtable is publishing a series of in-depth interviews from our collaborative event with the UN Global Compact Network, held at the start of this month. These interviews delve into critical discussions on sustainability, ethical practices, and the future of the fashion industry. Don't miss out on these exclusive insights – follow our Instagram for the latest updates and full interviews.
First in the series: Tamara Cincik and Tamara Parsons-Baker tell us about the National Centre for Fashion & Sustainability and the collaborative worth between Fashion Roundtable and the National Centre for Fashion & Sustainability at Bath Spa University