What: More than 400 leading figures send a letter to the Prime Minister demanding urgent action.

Why it’s important: British brands might not be able to afford selling in the EU anymore.

The UK’s GBP 35 billion fashion and textile industry is facing “decimation” as a result of red tape and travel restrictions thrown up by the new post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU, Boris Johnson has been warned. In an open letter to the UK’s prime minister, leading fashion industry chief executives and icons said that Brexit was strangling the complex international supply chains and relationships that underpinned their industry.

“With 42% of all export sales coming from the EU, the costs and administrative burdens of trading in continental Europe mean many of our members — not least the SMEs — have concluded they simply can’t afford to continue selling to those countries,” said Helen Brocklebank, the CEO of Walpole.

The Cabinet Office said it was working closely with businesses in the fashion industry to adjust to the new trading environment and was aware that some businesses were facing challenges.

UK fashion industry facing ‘decimation’ over Brexit trade deal 

Brexit & Fashion_ An Open Letter to the UK Government

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