1,200+ Sign Appeal to Make NHS and MoD Uniforms in UK as Fashion Roundtable Pressures Burnham for Domestic Production

More than 1,200 industry leaders, including celebrity advocate Ben Fogle, have urged Chancellor Andy Burnham to prioritize domestic manufacturing of uniforms for the UK’s NHS and Ministry of Defence. The Fashion Roundtable, a key industry thinktank, is delivering a formal letter to No 10 ahead of London Fashion Week, advocating for government contracts to be awarded to British-made apparel. This move aims to safeguard skilled jobs and preserve the nation’s textile heritage amid growing concerns over offshoring and declining domestic production capacity. The campaign highlights that sourcing uniforms locally could support up to 5,000 jobs across supply chains, from fabric mills to tailors, while reducing carbon emissions linked to international shipping. By committing to UK-based production, the government could strengthen national resilience and ensure high-quality, customizable gear tailored to frontline needs—critical for both military readiness and healthcare efficiency. The initiative also reflects broader economic goals tied to post-Brexit industrial strategy and green transition targets. With London Fashion Week spotlighting innovation and craftsmanship, this appeal underscores a powerful shift: fashion’s influence extends beyond runways into national infrastructure. The push for homegrown uniforms isn’t just about pride—it’s about practicality, sustainability, and economic stability. As pressure mounts on Burnham to act, the coming months will reveal whether policy can align with purpose.