A call for ethical, resilient, and future-proof procurement
The UK Government spends approximately £434 billion every year on public procurement (Public Accounts Committee, 2024). This vast expenditure includes essential items such as PPE and uniforms—products that are critical to national safety, emergency readiness and frontline services.
As the UK reassesses its industrial strategy, this is the moment for a strategic shift: a portion of the procurement budget must be committed to domestic, ethical and traceable manufacturing. The ATMF, alongside partners, is advocating for this change, calling for procurement systems that prioritise SMEs, sustainable supply chains and genuine social value.
A New Vision for Procurement
ATMF’s position is clear: PPE and uniforms for the UK should be made in the UK wherever possible.
We support a procurement framework that prioritises British SMEs, embeds social value and sustainability, strengthens transparency, ensures worker protections, and promotes long-term ethical manufacturing across the nation. This approach aligns with the Procurement Act 2023, the National Procurement Policy Statement and the Government’s broader sustainability agenda.
Why Domestic Production Matters
Shifting a portion of PPE and uniform procurement back to the UK generates significant benefits, including job creation and economic growth, reduced worklessness, and long-term community development. Domestic manufacturing also builds supply chain resilience, ensuring the country is not vulnerable to external shocks or global disruptions. The recent cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover illustrates the fragility of international supply chains when the UK relies heavily on overseas sourcing.
Ethical and transparent production is another essential benefit. UK factories operate under regulated labour laws, ensuring traceability, worker protections and high ethical standards throughout the production process. Localised supply chains also reduce carbon footprint and support national sustainability objectives.
Domestic capability directly improves the UK’s emergency preparedness. During crises—such as pandemics or urgent spikes in demand—domestic producers can respond faster, more reliably and with greater quality control. Local production also supports circular economy principles and aligns with the Sustainable Procurement Policy and Procurement Act 2023, as well as priorities outlined in the National Procurement Policy Statement.
Lessons from the Past
The £10 billion worth of unused PPE reported by The Guardian (2024) exposed inefficiencies and an over-dependence on overseas suppliers. Delays, quality issues and ethical uncertainties further highlighted the risks of offshoring essential public safety products. Continuing with an internationally dependent procurement model leaves the UK exposed to similar vulnerabilities in the future.
A Call to the Labour Party
A key question arises: why can’t the Labour Party allocate a defined percentage of PPE and uniform procurement spend to UK manufacturers? By embedding social value, ethical scoring and sustainability criteria into procurement evaluations, the Government can support domestic production while delivering long-term value for the public.
ATMF’s Commitment
The ATMF and our partners are ready to act as a collective voice for UK manufacturers. We will support SMEs in navigating procurement processes, push for streamlined bidding pathways, provide unified representation and implement continuous monitoring of domestic procurement performance. Our commitment is to build a stronger, more resilient and more ethical UK manufacturing ecosystem.
Industry Leaders Speak
Jenny Holloway, Chair of ATMF and CEO of Fashion-Enter Ltd/FashionCapital, shared:
“We thank David Lammy for his time reviewing the manufacturing process today (21.11.25). The huge array of skills within the garment making process were clearly demonstrated, and his attention to detail was welcomed by all the machinists, cutters and finishers.
The factories need work throughout the UK, and the ATMF, with partners, can work as one to review, plan and implement a new way forward to ethically make PPE and uniforms in the UK.
We look forward to progressing a new proposal for engagement with SMEs and the Public Procurement Budget.”