The New Statesman Politics Live Conference 2024: Highlights and Reflections
Image: Fashion Roundtable’s Michelle Kazi attends the New Statesman Politics Live Conference Credit: Michelle Kazi
The New Statesman Politics Live Conference 2024, held in Westminster, proved to be a vital forum for tackling some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts, the event aimed to address challenges ranging from achieving net-zero targets to fostering economic growth and innovation. Representing Fashion Roundtable, I attended as a delegate to observe, engage, and consider how these conversations intersect with the creative industries—a sector I found notably absent from the discussions.
Conferences like this are invaluable. They provide a space where policy meets practice, and ideas can be debated, refined, and put forward for meaningful change. The New Statesman deserves recognition for curating such a comprehensive programme. From thought-provoking speeches to in-depth panel discussions, the event highlighted the power of cross-sector dialogue in shaping the UK’s future. However, as much as I was impressed by the breadth and depth of the discussions, it was difficult not to notice the absence of creative industry voices in areas where their contributions could have been transformative.
A Day of Big Ideas
The day began with an engaging conversation with Sir William Browder KCMG, whose expertise in global justice and geopolitics set the tone for a series of informed and forward-looking discussions. Panels throughout the day tackled themes like the net-zero transition, trade and investment, national security, and infrastructure delivery, each addressing critical facets of the UK’s future.
One highlight was the in-conversation with Martin Lewis CBE, who delivered a standout session. His ability to distil complex economic challenges into relatable, compelling insights was unmatched. He brought a grounded perspective to the room, cutting through policy jargon and focusing on the practical realities facing households and individuals today.
The panel on Forging a Green Future was another standout moment. Experts discussed the UK’s position in the global race towards net-zero and the collaborative effort required between policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders. The conversation was sharp, addressing barriers like policy complexity, planning restrictions, and funding limitations, all while pointing to the opportunities that lie in innovation and technology.
Even topics seemingly far removed from fashion, like national security, offered unexpected relevance. Discussions on resilience and preparedness highlighted the importance of robust supply chains and sustainable industrial strategies—concepts that resonate across industries, including fashion.
The session on housing and sustainable development also brought fresh perspectives. Panelists moved beyond discussing housing numbers to explore the ecosystems required for thriving communities. They stressed the importance of integrating hospitals, schools, transport links, and other infrastructure into housing plans, a holistic approach that aligns with the principles of sustainable development.
Throughout the day, the speakers were switched on, the questions insightful, and the focus unwavering. The conference provided a platform for meaningful debate and cross-sector learning, leaving attendees with much to consider.
A Missing Piece in the Puzzle
While the conference excelled in many ways, one glaring gap stood out: the absence of voices from the creative industries. Fashion, for example, contributes £109.9 billion annually to the UK economy and employs over 714,000 people. It’s a global strength for the UK and a driver of innovation, sustainability, and soft power. Yet, no representatives from this sector were present, even in panels where their insights would have been highly relevant.
This lack of representation is particularly striking given the government’s recent emphasis on the creative industries as a growth driver in its Invest 2035: UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The strategy outlines the creative sector’s potential to lead in areas like sustainability, trade, and technological innovation—all themes that were central to the day’s discussions.
For an event designed to shape the future of policy and practice, leaving out the creative industries feels like a missed opportunity. These voices were especially needed in panels tackling sustainability, trade, and innovation. Here’s a closer look at where a creative perspective could have made a difference:
1. Forging a Green Future
Sustainability is at the heart of fashion’s transformation. From pioneering circular economy practices to leading innovation in biodegradable materials, the creative industries are uniquely positioned to tackle the net-zero challenge. Yet, this voice was absent—not only from the Forging a Green Future panel but from the conference floor entirely.
Fashion is a £109.9 billion UK industry with sustainability embedded in its evolution. It could have brought actionable ideas to discussions on policy complexity, green growth barriers, and skills shortages. This absence wasn’t just a gap—it was a missed opportunity to connect creative solutions to the broader national strategy.
2. Trade and Investment
Post-Brexit, the creative industries, especially fashion, face significant trade challenges. Rising tariffs, fractured supply chains, and restricted access to international markets have compounded the pressure on SMEs. But these same industries hold immense potential for growth through exports and global partnerships.
In panels on trade and investment, creative voices could have highlighted how to navigate these barriers. From advocating for streamlined customs processes to promoting UK craftsmanship abroad, the sector has solutions rooted in innovation. Their absence was a quiet reminder that their struggles—and opportunities—deserve more attention.
3. Building a Nation of Innovators
Innovation in fashion is redefining the industry. AI tools are shaping design processes, immersive technologies are revolutionising retail, and R&D into sustainable textiles is reshaping manufacturing. These advancements align perfectly with the ambition to make the UK a “science superpower.”
Yet, the Building a Nation of Innovators panel lacked creative industry representation. This sector thrives on innovation and international collaboration, but its contributions were missing from conversations on investment, tech skills, and global competitiveness. The absence of these perspectives left a critical gap in what could have been a richer dialogue.
Conclusion
The New Statesman Politics Live Conference 2024 was a standout event, addressing critical issues with depth and clarity. Yet, the glaring absence of creative industry voices left a significant gap. Fashion and the wider creative sector contribute billions to the UK economy and lead in innovation, sustainability, and global influence—making their inclusion not just desirable, but essential.
To shape a truly resilient and competitive future, policymakers and organisers must actively bring these perspectives into the room. Representation is not symbolic; it drives solutions and innovation. The creative sector holds untapped potential to enrich debates on sustainability, trade, and technological advancement. Let’s ensure their voices are heard—building a future that’s as inclusive as it is innovative.