Issue 1187
Rhifyn 1187
5 December 2022
gair rhydd
5 Rhagfyr 2022
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Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972
Inside: Get ready for Christmas (Page 17)
The Myth of 'Made in the UK' Clelia Frondaroli
Head of Comment
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he typical consumer does not know where their clothing originates from. In fact, most fashion brands themselves are unaware of the areas in which their clothing is produced, as a result of manufacturers employing subcontractors to create garments. However, as concerns continue to grow over rising global temperatures and drastic weather patterns, the fashion industry (especially in the UK) has seen a discernible shift in consumers seeking out independent brands that source production close to home. According to one survey conducted by Make it British, more than 93% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that hold a ‘Made in the UK’ label, suggesting that UK goods are perceived to be of higher quality, internationally respected and valuable. Yet, behind this apparent drive for British made consumer products, there are many things that the ‘Made in’ label isn’t telling us. Pioneered in the UK, the ‘Made in’ label was created in the late 1800s as an attempt to differentiate imitation goods from authentically manufactured British goods. However, there has been no law since its implementation in the UK that requires the labelling of origin on clothing and consumer products. This has led to the rise of ‘label fraud’, where cheaper manufacturing and labour costs abroad have meant that clothing is typically constructed overseas and finer details (such as buttons being sewn on or pockets lined) are stitched in the UK. This means that clothing labels are still able to claim that the product has been ‘made in the UK’, despite being produced in developing countries where workers are paid far below
the minimum wage. This has had several detrimental implications for the clothing industry. Firstly, it reflects poorly on the ‘Made in’ label, giving the appearance that it is a marketing ploy intended to convince consumers that they are sourcing clothing ethically, when in reality it is simply re-branded fast fashion. It could also be seen as a subsection of ‘greenwashing’, where some fast fashion retailers are deliberately mislabelling their clothing as an attempt to appear more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, it is not fair on authentic independent British brands such as Oarsum, whose production is sourced entirely within the UK in a sustainable manner. Fraudulent origin labels negatively impact the perception of British goods as a whole, where poor quality garments and consumer products are passed off as ‘British Made’ despite never being produced in the country. However, it is also important to note that there is no guarantee British-made products themselves are ethical. Although UK guidelines and law state that ‘it is against the law for an employer to pay less than the national minimum wage’, there have been numerous cases across the country where garment factory workers have been mistreated and underpaid. In the case of one Leicester garment factory, migrant workers were found to be repeated victims of wage exploitation, where they would be subjected to extremely labour-intensive work for as little as £3 an hour. To read Clelia' s full article on the mislabelling and greenwashing of consumer products, turn to page 15
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Qatar 2022: Wales have been knocked out of the tournament. Image: SuperCam (via Flickr)
Jasmine Jones
World Cup heartbreak for Wales
Head of Sport
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fter an underwhelming first two matches for Wales, their world cup dreams hung in the balance ahead of the final group stage game against England. In Wales’ first World Cup since 1958, Rob Page and his team had much to prove, and a whole nation rooting for them back home. Drawing against the USA, and losing against Iran left Wales with a moun-
SNP not allowed to introduce IndyRef2 Legistaltion Katherine Seymour Head of Politics
tain to climb and ultimately proved too much for the team that achieved Welsh history. To get through to the round of 16 Wales needed to secure the win against England and hope that Iran vs USA ended in a draw. If the other group match ended in anything other than a draw, Wales then needed to beat England by at least 4 goals. Alterations to the starting eleven were made by both teams ahead of the fixture, with Wales bringing in Joe Allen and Dan James to replace Connor Rob-
erts and Harry Wilson. Danny Ward also started after Wayne Hennessey’s straight red card in the previous game against Iran. England made significant changes from their underwhelming draw against the USA.
Anest Williams
Edward Sutton
Sut Nadolig bydd hi i busnesau bach Caerdydd?
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Climate Conversations: Dr Jen Allan
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Science and Tech Editor
Golygydd Taf-od
he Supreme Court has ruled that it would be unlawful for the Scottish parliament to legislate for a second referendum following a fast-tracked case brought about by Sturgeon’s legal advisor. The SNP had wanted to hold a second referendum on independence next October following the UK’s exit from the EU (seen as a big draw for those voting to remain a part of the UK in 2014, and her party’s recent success in the Scottish parliament elections). To read Katherine's 's article on the ruling, turn to page 6
To read Jasmine's article on the Wales v England match, turn to page 23
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ae cyfnod y Nadolig yn adeg wirioneddol wyllt i gwmnïoedd y stryd fawr ac i’r rheini sy’n gweithio iddyn nhw: mae’r rhan fwyaf o gwmnïoedd yn gwneud y canran mwyaf o’u helw blynyddol yn yr ychydig wythnosau cyn y diwrnod mawr (mae’r tyrrau o bobl yng nghanolfan Dewi Sant Caerdydd ar y funud yn brawf o hyn). Ond, sut beth yw’r Nadolig i berchnogion busnesau bach Caerdydd, a hynny yng nghanol argyfwng costau byw? I ddarllen erthygl Anest am y stryd fawr, trowch i dudalen 11
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was lucky enough to be able to speak to Dr Jen Allan who went to COP 27 this year with the Earth Negotiations Bulletin and is a lecturer here in Cardiff. 1.5C is the key temperature the UN is aiming towards for global warming. Dr Allan highlighted Alok Sharma’s words that 1.5C was on life support, backed again but concerns form scientists. To read Edwards' interview with the Cardiff University professor, turn to page 21
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