News story

Walker praises Britain’s booming fashion industry

Robin Walker, Minister at the Department for Exiting the EU, visited London Fashion Week to highlight the government’s commitment to a "booming industry".

Robin Walker, London Fashion Week

Robin Walker, Minister at the Department for Exiting the EU, visited London Fashion Week yesterday (Tuesday 21 February) to highlight the government’s commitment to a “booming industry”.

Meeting with Caroline Rush and Judith Rosser-Davies from the British Fashion Council, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the fashion industry is able to capitalise on new opportunities and listened to their views on how the fashion industry could benefit from a truly global Britain.

This important event attracts hundreds of designers presenting their products over five days - emblematic of the huge success of the British fashion industry, which contributed £28 billion to the UK economy and accounted for 880,000 jobs last year.

Robin Walker, Minister for Exiting the EU, said:

The British fashion industry is at the leading edge of global design and creativity, with an individuality and energy that sets it apart from the rest.

Nowhere else is that more evident than at London Fashion Week – an inspirational showcase of talent, including our homegrown designers.

As we prepare to enter negotiations with the European Union we want to work closely with this booming sector to ensure it continues to flourish and can seize the opportunities that will flow from Britain’s new place in the world.

The Department for International Trade is supporting London Fashion Week and also helping match UK fashion designers with international buyers to boost exports by up to £15 million, as part of its ‘International Guest Programme’.

Published 22 February 2017