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London Fashion Week: Cultural Contribution
16 September 2025
Lead MP
Rosie Wrighting
Kettering
Lab
Responding Minister
Ian Murray
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Word Count: 8699
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Rosie Wrighting raised concerns about london fashion week: cultural contribution in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for investment in arts education to ensure courses are well-funded and apprenticeships are available to support the next generation of creatives across the UK.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
London Fashion Week is a vibrant industry that embodies the best of Britain's creativity, diversity and resilience. However, there are concerns about accessibility for young people who may not have the same opportunities as previous generations.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Khan supports Wrighting's case, highlighting Manchester Fashion Week’s return after a decade and advocating for more innovation celebration across the UK. Emphasized the importance of fashion for cities outside of London such as Manchester and Liverpool. He mentioned City Wide celebrations that boost local economies with activities generating substantial visitor numbers and sales increases.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Emphasised the economic and cultural significance of London Fashion Week, highlighting its role in sustainability and education.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
Francis highlights the importance of adaptive fashion at London Fashion Week, praising initiatives like Unhidden which make clothing accessible to those with disabilities or chronic conditions. Highlighted the importance of adaptive fashion, reflecting the diversity of society through inclusive designs.
Gill German
Lab
Clwyd North
Welcomed the debate and highlighted the importance of creative industries for economic growth and cultural influence, praising Welsh designers such as Laura Ashley and David Emanuel. Represented the voice of the Welsh fashion industry, showcasing its contribution to the national fashion scene. She highlighted the importance of supporting talent from different regions across Britain. Spoke passionately about Laura Ashley’s impact on her constituency and how fashion provides hope to young people in areas outside London.
Ian Murray
Lab
Ayr South
Welcomed the debate and praised the hon. Member for Kettering for her speech on fashion as a way of expression for young people. He also highlighted the economic impact of London Fashion Week, noting that it generates over £100 million in orders from overseas buyers alone.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Acknowledges London Fashion Week as an opportunity for young aspiring designers, highlighting a Northern Irish designer who showcased her work at Graduate Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Welcomed the Minister to his new role and congratulated the hon. Member for Kettering on securing the debate.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Celebrated London Fashion Week's role in championing British creativity since 1984, mentioning iconic figures like Vivienne Westwood and her personal connection to the fashion industry. Described fashion as 'fearless imagination' and praised the influence of designers such as Vivienne Westwood on supporting UK talent.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Congratulates Lynne Franks on her career in fashion and supports investment in arts education to maintain the UK's global creative hub.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Stratford and Bow
Supports the importance of circularity and sustainability in fashion to ensure accessibility for future generations, urging the Government to consider these points.
Government Response
Ian Murray
The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Government Response
Celebrated the successes of Britain’s fashion industry and London Fashion Week, which generates nearly £30 billion to the UK economy annually. The minister noted that orders placed during London Fashion Week exceed £100 million from overseas buyers alone and highlighted the importance of supporting new talent through programmes like NEWGEN.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.