Rosie Wrighting

I thank hon. Members from across the House for attending this debate—the first ever debate on London Fashion Week in this place. It is telling that we had Members from across the country talking about how much fashion means to their constituencies and about designers who come from their constituencies. That shows how important this vital industry and sector is to Members across the House. It was great to hear from Members from different parties on what fashion means for their constituencies. I particularly thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath and Crayford (Daniel Francis), who spoke about adaptive fashion, which is deeply important to him. We have had conversations in the Tea Room about our careers in retail, and I was so pleased to hear his contribution. My hon. Friend the Member for Clwyd North (Gill German) spoke passionately about Laura Ashley and what she means for her constituency. I particularly like how my hon. Friend spoke about fashion as giving hope to young people. It so often does, particularly in areas outside London; it ignites a passion that can sometimes be hard to find. My hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire (Samantha Niblett) described fashion as “fearless imagination”, which is brilliant. She mentioned Vivienne Westwood, who is such an influential designer and who shows how important it is that we continue to support talent across the UK, including in areas such as Derbyshire. I also put on record my admiration for my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes Central (Emily Darlington). Her videos come up on my TikTok sometimes, and I often watch her “#NoBuyingNew” videos. I welcome the Minister to his place. I am incredibly pleased to see him here, and I am honoured that, in his first Westminster Hall debate in the role, he is talking about fashion. I hope that my passion for this industry came across and that he recognises the importance of investing in the next generation of designers. It was so important to me to secure this debate, because I believe that the challenges the industry faces at the moment mean that we are at a crucial point. Fashion brings so much to the UK, but unless it is correctly supported, we risk losing incredible talent. I hope to continue to work with him in supporting this vital week and the sector that means so much to me. London Fashion Week makes a huge cultural contribution to our capital and the rest of the UK, and I look forward to it starting on Thursday. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House has considered the cultural contribution of London Fashion Week.