The greatest unknown remains however, as it is likely the EU will not accept the terms of the Chequers proposal, having clearly stated previously that they would not accept piecemeal access to the Single Market - you are either in or you are out. Tony Blair recently described the proposal as the worst of both worlds, as Leavers and Remainers unite in their opposition to the proposal. The next week will prove deeply insightful, as negotiations resume again under the new steer of Dominic Raab. The only certainty we have at the moment is that all current proposals contain major areas of concern for the Fashion industry, once again reinforcing our decision to enter the role Fashion Roundtable now fulfil.

Dr Cameron MP: “To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will take steps as part of the negotiations for the UK leaving the EU to seek the creation of a visa system between the UK and EU countries to meet the needs of the creative sector.
A Answered by: Caroline Nokes Answered on: 09 July 2018
The Government is considering a range of options for the future immigration system. We will​ ​build​ ​a​ ​comprehensive​ ​picture​ ​of​ ​the​ ​needs​ ​and​ ​interests​ ​of​ ​all​ ​parts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​UK, including​ ​different​ ​sectors,​ ​businesses​ ​and​ ​communities,​ ​and​ ​look​ ​to​ ​develop​ ​a system​ ​that​ ​works​ ​for​ ​all.​
We will make decisions on the future immigration system based on evidence and engagement. That is why we have asked the independent Migration Advisory Committee to advise on the economic and social impacts of the UK’s exit from the EU. When building the new system, various aspects including the creative sector will be taken into account, to ensure the future immigration system works for sectors.
We will set out proposals later this year.”

This is one of those moments that inspires theories of elections, mass resignations and political crisis – Brexit must surely now be cancelled? No. The Prime Minister has, despite her critics, created an atmosphere of calm and stability, albeit it without the strength. Add to this, the lack of appetite from any senior Conservative to take over and the even greater lack of Parliamentary appetite for another General Election. It must be remembered that the Fixed Terms Parliament Act, brought in by the coalition, still prevents a Government from simply calling a General Election, or from calling a vote of no confidence.

“part community, part retail. We aspire to challenge ideas of the past, so that we can clear the path for a bright, beautiful future - together. ” 

It is widely acknowledged that the retail sector is going through a period of generational change and every retailer’s response will be different. For the partnership, the focus is on greater differentiation – not scale,” A spokesperson for John Lewis said in a recent statement.

Is the UK willing to accept the terms of withdrawal as described by the EU? It also calls for free movement of goods ignoring services (including services embedded into the sales of goods, which is a huge factor in the fashion supply chain), movement of capital and people.

With 99.75% of plastic coffee cups not being recycled, reusable cups are clearly not the solution. At the University of Winchester, they have recently replaced the 25p reduction on reusable cups with a 25p penalty if you buy coffee with their cups. The prices haven't changed, but perception has: with penalty instead of reward reducing waste by 34,000 across the campus in one year.

The European Journalism Observatory (EJO) recently analysed the gender diversity in bylines across 11 different European countries. The result echoed the gender imbalances across all creative industries, with women continually falling second behind men. This issue filters through to all creative industries, and needs addressing at the source of the problem.

The grass roots victory story of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's campaign, winning her a New York district primary election. Our CEO, Tamara Cincik, praises and relates to Ocasio-Cortez.

Eszter Kantor, our EU Politics expert, comments on Theresa May’s recent efforts in Brussels and how her attitude towards the four freedoms may be relaxing.

The authentic Romanian fashion brand, Bihor Couture, is taking a stand against cultural appropriation. They are looking to preserve the beauty and importance of their traditional clothes which are so important to their culture, and call-out fashion powerhouses like Dior for taking inspiration without giving credit.

How is the fine line between appropriation and appreciation distinguished? Can it ever be distinguished? Sophie Dyer looks at this issue with commentary on the recent panel discussion that Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable’s CEO, sat on to discuss this issue.

Yesterday the Commission published a new Brexit preparedness notice for those with professional qualifications. This is the latest in a serious of guidance notes preparing stakeholders for a no-deal scenario. It impacts skilled professionals who have obtained a official qualification and use this qualification when accessing jobs in the EU. Our EU expert, Eszter Kantor, comments on this development.

Kane set to become the second British designer to leave the stable of parent company Kering and buy back the 51% of shares they currently own. Tamara Cinick questions whether this is a Brexit metaphor.

Mary Creagh MP’s announcement on ‘fast fashion’ holds a crucial message for everyone. The #SlowSummerFashion movement highlights the need to buy less this summer.

Modern day slavery is a crucial issue within the UK, yet it is not something everyone is aware of. It generates $150bn worldwide and an estimated 40m across the world are living in slavery.

Tomorrow marks 2 years since the referendum. Are we now seeing a movement on May’s initial defiant stance on Britain’s withdrawal from the single market?

Tamara Cincik, CEO and Founder of Fashion Roundtable said: “I have worked in the fashion industry for most of my adult life. It can be amazing, creative and you can be around the more brilliant and lovely people. However reading this article, by Amy Odell for The Cut: books being thrown at assistants, interns being made to stand outside in the cold with no coat for hours, staff degraded and belittled, it’s just not and never should be acceptable. We have to join the dots and appreciate that however glam, exciting and well-paid the industry can be that doesn’t excuse in work abuse. And never should. That’s why I was happy to Chair the first ever Panel discussion for @fashionassistants and that’s why I am speaking to the film union Bectu; to work on a way to bring workers protections and support into fashion. Watch this space.”