Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to end unfair purchasing practices in fashion, including the exploitation of suppliers and their workers by brands selling into the UK market; and what consideration they have given to introducing (1) a fashion watchdog, and (2) a fashion supply code adjudicator, for this industry.

Since October 2020, a wide group of stakeholders comprising retailers, manufacturers and non-profit organisations have been working with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) under the Apparel and General Merchandise Public Private Protocol to address poor working, pay, and purchasing practices in the UK supply chain.

In response to the single enforcement body consultation published last year, the government reaffirmed its commitment to continue engaging with the enforcement bodies and industry partners to strengthen our understanding of the garment trade. We will continue to review this issue and consider options to drive up standards across the sector.