On 28 October 2025, Catherine West MP formally requested a parliamentary debate on onshoring within the fashion and textiles industry. This move underlines renewed political recognition of the essential role domestic manufacturing could play — if given the right support. Fashion Capital+1
Proponents argue that onshoring production could unlock significant economic value: more jobs, reduced environmental impact through shorter supply-chains, and renewed investment in UK-based skills and infrastructure. Fashion Capital+1
Why Onshoring Is Gaining Momentum — Key Drivers
- Economic and strategic stability: After decades of off-shoring, increasing global instability, supply-chain disruption and rising labour/freight costs have made UK production more attractive again. Fashion Capital+1
- Government and public policy attention: With MPs like Catherine West raising the issue in Parliament, there is growing recognition that onshoring could create jobs, generate tax revenue, and contribute to long-term economic resilience. Fashion Capital+1
- Skills and heritage factories still exist: The UK retains manufacturing heritage — numerous factories and skilled workers remain, offering a base from which to scale if demand returns. Fashion Capital+1
- Sustainability, localisation and ethical demand: As consumers become more conscious of provenance, environmental impact and garment lifespan, there is increasing demand for locally made, ethically produced garments — strengths of a re-energised UK manufacturing sector. Fashion Capital+1
What This Means for ATMF and Its Members
- Opportunity to scale up production at home — With political momentum and renewed interest in onshoring, ATMF members could see increased demand for “Made-in-UK” garments. This is a chance to position themselves as reliable partners for brands seeking ethical, local sourcing.
- Potential to expand workforce and capabilities — If onshoring grows, demand for domestic manufacturing could prompt investment in skills training, apprenticeships and factory upgrades. This supports long-term sustainability of UK textile manufacturing.
- Competitive edge through ethical and sustainable credentials — Producing in the UK offers a strong selling point for brands committed to sustainability, shorter lead-times, traceability and ethical production — advantages that may increasingly shape consumer and retailer preferences.
- Influence on policy and industry direction — As debates like the one proposed by Catherine West gain traction, ATMF members have a chance to shape policy outcomes that affect the future of UK garment production — labour standards, incentives, trade agreements and support structures.
Suggested Actions for ATMF / Member Organisations
- Monitor the parliamentary debate and consider engaging with MPs, industry associations or relevant committees to represent manufacturers’ interests.
- Prepare to scale capacity: assess current factory capacity, workforce skills and investment needs to respond quickly if demand for domestic production increases.
- Emphasise UK-made credentials when pitching to retailers or brands: ethical production, shorter lead times, traceability, skills-based craftsmanship.
- Collaborate with training providers, regional textile hubs and local government to build a sustainable supply chain ecosystem that supports onshoring growth.