UK Fashion Industry Calls for NHS and Defence Uniforms to Be Made Domestically

By Benson Daniel

British fashion and textile industry leaders are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to ensure that uniforms for the National Health Service and Ministry of Defence are manufactured in the United Kingdom.

More than 1,200 people have signed an open letter urging the government to use public procurement contracts to strengthen domestic textile manufacturing and create a more stable market for British factories.

Industry campaigners argue that a significant proportion of NHS and defence uniforms are currently manufactured overseas, despite the two public institutions spending about £120 million a year on uniforms.

They say redirecting a greater share of that spending to UK manufacturers could help protect jobs, rebuild industrial capacity and provide long-term stability for factories across the country.

The campaign is being led by figures from the fashion and textile sector, including Fashion Roundtable and Make it British. Supporters include designer and television personality Patrick Grant and broadcaster Ben Fogle.

The industry wants the government to introduce requirements in public contracts that encourage or mandate the manufacture of textile products within the UK, beginning with NHS and defence uniforms.

Campaigners also want the government to establish a dedicated manufacturing and textiles task force to improve coordination between departments responsible for business, defence, health, environment and culture.

They argue that British manufacturers already have the skills and capacity required but struggle because fashion and textiles sit between the government’s creative industries and manufacturing policies.

Supporters believe government procurement could provide the predictable demand needed for manufacturers to invest, retain skilled workers and expand production.

The call has also gained support from British manufacturers who say domestic production would keep more economic activity within local communities. They argue that although producing uniforms in Britain may sometimes cost more initially than importing them, the wider economic benefits could include employment, tax revenue and stronger supply chains.

The campaign comes as the Burnham administration places greater emphasis on regional economic development and rebuilding Britain’s industrial base.

Supporters have pointed to the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, when domestic manufacturers were brought into the production of personal protective equipment, as evidence that Britain can rapidly expand textile manufacturing when demand and government procurement are aligned.

The campaigners also argue that greater domestic production would reduce Britain’s dependence on overseas supply chains and strengthen resilience during future emergencies.

However, shifting public contracts towards domestic manufacturers could require changes to procurement rules and would need to balance economic objectives against cost, competition and existing trade obligations.

For Britain’s struggling textile sector, industry leaders see government procurement as one of the most direct ways to generate sustained demand and support the revival of domestic manufacturing.