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Former Prime Minister Theresa May Highlights the Need for Awareness in Fast Fashion and Modern Slavery

In a recent discussion on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, former Prime Minister Theresa May emphasized the urgent need for consumers to consider the origins of inexpensive clothing before making purchases. She stated that the issue of modern slavery has unfortunately lost its prominence on the political agenda.

May pointed out that some companies are taking proactive steps to verify their supply chains and ensure that slave labor is not involved, often reflecting this commitment on their packaging. She urged shoppers to be informed about the production processes behind their clothing, reminding listeners to “think about it before they buy.”

Describing modern slavery as “the greatest human rights issue of our time,” May underscored the detrimental effects that forced labor can have not only on individuals but also on economies, citing that it leads to supply chain instability and competition distortion.

The former Conservative leader currently heads the Global Commission on Modern Slavery, which has published a comprehensive report advocating for the termination of modern slavery practices worldwide. The report estimates that approximately 50 million individuals are currently trapped in slavery, stressing the necessity for collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and consumers to eliminate this heinous practice.

One key recommendation from the report is for businesses to incorporate thorough “human rights due diligence” in their operations, ensuring they address any identified issues. In her interview, May noted a stark lack of awareness regarding the prevalence of slavery, especially as consumers tend to prioritize low-cost fashion during economic downturns.

She remarked, “When there is a cost of living crisis you look for that cheap fashion, you don’t ask where it comes from. How many of us actually ask where our clothes are made?” She praised some companies for actively reviewing their supply chains to ensure fairness and for communicating these efforts to customers through their packaging.

May’s passion for fashion is well-documented, having received gifts from prominent designers like Stella McCartney; however, she always adhered to government protocols by purchasing items she intended to keep.

In recent years, retailers such as the Chinese fast fashion brand Shein have faced accusations regarding their use of forced labor in supply chains. Following reports of child labor at some of its suppliers, Shein committed in 2024 to enhance oversight of its sourcing practices.

At a parliamentary committee hearing this year, a senior lawyer representing Shein asserted that the company complies with all relevant laws and standards in the regions in which it operates. Currently, Shein is preparing to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange, which may prompt increased scrutiny of its labor practices.

May expressed concern that modern slavery issues have shifted down the political agenda, underscoring her desire to revitalize efforts to combat this injustice. When asked about the lack of attention given to the subject, she explained that governments often struggle to address multiple pressing issues concurrently, leading to other concerns like climate change and COVID-19 overshadowing discussions about modern slavery.

Combating modern slavery has been a significant focus for May, having initially championed this cause while serving as Home Secretary and later as Prime Minister. In 2015, she implemented the Modern Slavery Act, introducing measures designed to protect victims and enhance the prosecution of offenders. The Act provided a new defense for victims of slavery and trafficking who had committed offenses under coercion, resulting in a notable increase in convictions for modern slavery crimes.

However, subsequent concerns were raised by Home Office ministers about the potential misuse of the law by individuals in the UK illegally seeking to evade deportation. In response to these concerns, the Conservative government, under Boris Johnson’s leadership, implemented changes in 2022 aimed at assisting decision-makers in distinguishing genuine victims of modern slavery.

Source
www.bbc.com