Donald Tusk, President of the European Council said: "It will make it more complicated and costly than today for all of us. This is the essence of Brexit."

"We are leaving the single market. Life is going to be different. In certain ways, our access to each other's markets will be less than it is now. How could the EU's structure of rights and obligations be sustained, if the UK - or any country - were allowed to enjoy all the benefits without all of the obligations?
So we need to strike a new balance. But we will not accept the rights of Canada and the obligations of Norway."

As we await credible proposals from the UK government, the lack of lobbying from UK industries in mainland Europe is also apparent. Creative industries, and fashion in particular, need to be seen and heard on both sides of the English Channel. Not only is the EU our largest fashion trading partner, within that, Ireland is our largest import partner, and the fashion industry cannot accept a future where border control towards Ireland, NI and mainland Europe will apply at the same time, limiting our industries ability to build and maintain viable supply chains. We call on the UK government to propose measures that protect our fashion industry, textiles and manufacturing sector, promote our cross-border alliances and protect the rights of our freelance employees. Our data, which we worked on with Assay Advisory and sees very similar outcomes to that done by Bloomberg, and BOF, places a 35% loss of GDP, or £8bn a year lost to our UK fashion economy if the UK and EU cannot agree a deal, or the UK decides upon a hard Brexit. 

The prioritisation of one industry above another worries us at Fashion Roundtable, as this implies that the needs of the one sector is already taking priority above other very valuable ones, such as ours'.

In a hard Brexit, the fashion industry's contribution to UK GDP could fall by 35%

Fashion has always been international. The thread in your jacket, the buttons on your shirt, the leather in your shoes, all come from different countries, and any one outfit is composed of materials from numerous territories. And it’s not just clothes. Being part of a large trading bloc brings in the investment, talent and skills and EU funding which allows London to maintain its seat on the global fashion stage.

As in all negotiations parties go in considering their own best interest and asking for everything they feel they can and should have. It would be great to have a written position on the asks and offers of the UK Government as well. It seems for the time being there are statements made behind closed doors (in Brussels) and statements made in public (in the UK) and these two are not quite aligned yet.

"You have to work with people who you might not agree with, and you have to work with people where you can find a common ground because in the common ground you will achieve something."

"The Blue Planet effect is sweeping across Westminster and it’s time for the fashion industry to take a grip of this movement"

Chaired by Dr. Lisa Cameron MP, the APPG will work hard within the Houses of Parliament to lobby and promote the needs, concerns and opportunities of the fashion and textiles industry with long-term sustainable and business growth political support.

-       Gaming businesses of all sizes need access to international talent

-       Requires cross disciplinary skills - artists of all types

-       Relies on world class international to be cutting edge

-       ⅓ of the workforce are from the EU

-       UK candidates are not equipped with the necessary skills

-        The UK reputation abroad has been damaged and seen as unwelcoming to int’l talent

-       Need to remain open to top global talent

-       Shortage of skills domestically

-       Require a flexible system to bring international talent in

-       International talent provides insight in how to operate in emerging int’l markets

-       International talent brings with it new opportunities

4x faster job creation than other industries.

Conditions put into place to allow industry to grow

Survey across CIs and what vote trends were

96 % in favour of Remain