Borders MP, John Lamont, spoke in support of the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill, in the House of Commons last week.
The Bill will ensure that the Department for Education publishes guidance for schools on school uniform policies, with particular regard to the cost of uniform.
The provisions in the Bill only affect England as education is devolved in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
However, the Bill affects local company, Border Embroideries based in Greenlaw in Berwickshire. They sell school uniforms across the UK and deliver around 25,000 items each week to the four corners of the country.
Concerns about the cost of school uniform have been raised regularly in recent years, by select committees, the Children’s Commissioner, and in particular by the charity, Children’s Society.
Mr Lamont visited Border Embroideries in September when social distancing guidelines allowed.
Border Embroideries has been involved in the production of school uniforms for nearly 30 years. Billy Smillie and his wife, Shirley Anne, started their business using a single embroidery machine. Now it is one of the UK’s leading specialist school uniform suppliers, serving customers across the UK.
John Lamont MP said:
“Although this Bill only relates to England it is of huge importance to uniform suppliers across the UK, including Border Embroideries in the Scottish Borders.
“Border Embroideries is a prime example of a business supplying competitively priced products. It also provides jobs for local people, and helping the community thrive.
“Scotland’s place in the UK means not only that firms in my constituency can sell into a large and lucrative market with no barriers, but that their elected representative has a voice in the UK Parliament, which decides on the rules for that market.
“School uniforms are an important part of education. They foster pride through shared identity and help to build cohesion in villages and towns across the country.
“I am proud that many of these uniforms worn across the UK are made right here in Berwickshire.”
