Despite its staggering £60.7bn contribution to the UK’s economy, the fashion industry is often overlooked and with the upcoming general election the sector desperately needs concrete policy commitments from potential leaders.

With the UK election only 10 days away the apparel industry is keen on hearing positive measures to help boost the economy and be presented with unique opportunities to support the industry while simultaneously addressing pressing environmental concerns.

British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson described UK retail as an “everywhere economy” and that with the right policy environment, can use its scale and reach to support public policy goals, she said following the publication of May’s UK retail sales.

These demands couldn’t be more timely. With the recent collapse of Matches Fashion and the struggles faced by brands like The Vampire’s Wife, it’s clear that the UK apparel industry needs a lifeline.

On the sustainability front and future viability of the industry, Professor Dilys Williams of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the University of the Arts London at the parliamentary hearing on 3 May with the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) called upon the government to support and incentivise the resale model to deal with the industry’s consumption and waste production.

Williams suggested a solution of consumption caps or taxes on the highest-polluting producers to stop the drive of “overstimulation” being presented to the British public.

France recently proposed an environmental tax on fast-fashion products – could the UK follow suit? Regulatory action may be the only way to force brands to take responsibility for their environmental impact.

France recently proposed an environmental tax on fast-fashion products – could the UK follow suit? Regulatory action may be the only way to force brands to take responsibility for their environmental impact.

By Just Style