MPs scold Missguided CEO for missing sustainability enquiry

MPs have voiced their disappointment at Missguided CEO, Nitin Passi,
after he failed to attend a into the sustainability of
the UK fashion industry.

Earlier this month, the chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, Mary
Creagh MP, wrote to the five leading online-only retailers – Asos, Amazon,
Boohoo, Missguided, and PrettyLittleThing – to request information on staff
wages, the life-cycle of the garments sold, and steps being taken to reduce
the environmental and social impact of their businesses.

In a letter written by MP Mary Creagh, addressed to Passi, Creagh
expressed her disappointment at the CEO for missing the hearing, and voiced
her concerns towards the issues of employee wages, pollution, and the use
of plastics in the fashion industry. The letter – now published publicly
“in the interest of transparency” – read:

“We recently invited you to attend an important evidence hearing inquiring
into the Sustainability of the Fashion Industry. During our inquiry we have
heard disturbing evidence about non-payment of the minimum wage in UK
garment factories linked to online fast fashion retailers.

“Serious concerns have also been raised with us about the excessive waste,
plastic pollution and carbon footprint being generated by the fast fashion
business model.

“Given the seriousness of these issues we would expect them to warrant your
personal attention as the ultimate decision-maker in your organisation.

“Chief Executives from both Boohoo and ASOS have accepted our invitation to
appear in Parliament on Tuesday 27 November. We are disappointed that you
have declined. The Committee notes that you found time to give an interview
to a Sunday newspaper last week.

“Can I therefore reiterate our Committee’s invitation to you to attend our
hearing on Tuesday in order for you personally to respond to our questions.
I am sure your attendance will be of great interest to the House of
Commons, your customers, and the wider public.”

ASOS’ chief executive officer, Nick Beighton, and Boohoo’s joint chief
executive officer, Carol Kaneare, also expected to attend the
enquiry this week.