Uniformity and Independence: Why Britain Should Make Its Own Military and NHS Garb

The UK’s fashion industry is taking a practical turn by urging the government to manufacture uniforms for British defence forces and NHS staff in-house. A letter signed by over 1,200 individuals, including adventurer Ben Fogle and TV presenter Patrick Grant, will be handed to Downing Street this week, asking Andy Burnham to commit to domestic production.

The £120m spent annually on uniforms could support UK textile suppliers, whose fortunes have been affected by global market fluctuations. Britain has seen high-profile procurement blunders, such as the botched PPE buys during the pandemic. However, Scotland offers a more encouraging example: investing £102.7m in domestic production generated 88% of its PPE locally in 2021, creating an additional £66.7m worth of economic value and 1,400 jobs.

The United States has taken a different approach to military procurement since the Berry amendment was introduced in 1941, requiring contracts for uniforms to be awarded to domestic companies. This decision was driven by pragmatism, ensuring American manufacturers retained expertise and created steady workforces during wartime. The industry’s growth since then is evident: the market for military textiles reached $1.62bn in 2025.

Proponents of similar policies are not motivated by nationalism but rather a desire to create a more resilient economy. By prioritizing domestic production, Britain can provide its manufacturers with stability and encourage long-term planning. As Kate Hills of Make It British notes: “These contracts would give manufacturers confidence to employ more people, to look at the long term rather than feel like they’re surviving day by day.”

Critics might argue that this is a case of ‘buying American’ or ‘buying British.’ However, the appeal lies in economic pragmatism and security concerns. As Patrick Grant notes: “We are currently producing a lot of stuff in countries with which we do not have the most stable relationships.” If the supply chain were to be disrupted, Britain would be left vulnerable.

Manufacturing can provide a safeguard against job losses due to automation and AI disruption. By investing in domestic production, Britain is creating short-term employment opportunities while building a foundation for long-term growth – securing its supply chains and fostering innovation. As Grant notes: “We have to think about where jobs are going to come from in the version of our society that we’re going to have in 10 years’ time when AI really starts to kick in.”

By making its own uniforms, Britain can get ahead of this curve and create a more secure future for itself. The Fashion Roundtable’s letter will undoubtedly emphasize that this is not just an economic matter but also one of national pride – and self-sufficiency. It’s time for Britain to reclaim its manufacturing prowess, investing in its domestic textile industry and securing its supply chains.