We at North Devon Labour Party were disgusted at the flippancy and misogynistic tone taken by the
prime minister while discussing the beauty industry this week. In response to a mocking question
from conservative MP William Wragg the Prime Minister joked about visiting a salon and provoked
laughter in the house of commons regarding Salons returning to business as restrictions ease.
While we appreciate there is a place for humour at times, we don’t believe that place is a discussion
around people’s businesses and livelihoods in a profession so vital to our economy at this difficult
time. The Covid 19 pandemic has left beauticians and salon owners with no income and facing job
loss or the potential closure of their businesses. How is this a laughing matter? Why is this
traditionally female-led industry open to mockery while the automotive and airline industries
receive serious considered debate.
Perhaps the Prime Minister is unaware of the fact that in last year’s report from the British Beauty
Council figures revealed that the beauty industry contributes more to the UK economy than the
motor manufacturing industry? Perhaps he is ignorant of the 590,500 jobs supported by the
industry? Or the £7 billion provided annually by Beauty to the treasury?
North Devon Labour Party recognises the immense contribution made by Beauticians, Wellness
practitioners and Salons to our economy. We see how vital this industry is to maintaining our high
streets. We recognise the value of an industry employing and engaging people from all backgrounds
and circumstances, providing flexible working and opportunities for people to own their own
business.
It would send shockwaves through Parliament to see an MP and the PM mocking an industry such as
car manufacture so why was this behaviour deemed acceptable by these two and other members of
Government? This raises serious questions regarding attitudes to sectors traditionally seen as
female led as well as their perceived lack of understanding regarding the value of the Beauty
industry to our economy. If the Prime Minister only engages in the industry in the context of a joke,
what hope do Beauticians and Salon owners have of feeling heard and understood? How can they
possibly have faith in this Government to act with consideration of their interests?
North Devon Labour Party believes the Prime Minister should immediately apologise to those
working within the Beauty industry, publicly acknowledge its immense value and act to ensure
Salons are supported to survive this crisis and return to business along with other sectors.
Tamsin Higgs
Diversity Officer
North Devon CLP
prime minister while discussing the beauty industry this week. In response to a mocking question
from conservative MP William Wragg the Prime Minister joked about visiting a salon and provoked
laughter in the house of commons regarding Salons returning to business as restrictions ease.
While we appreciate there is a place for humour at times, we don’t believe that place is a discussion
around people’s businesses and livelihoods in a profession so vital to our economy at this difficult
time. The Covid 19 pandemic has left beauticians and salon owners with no income and facing job
loss or the potential closure of their businesses. How is this a laughing matter? Why is this
traditionally female-led industry open to mockery while the automotive and airline industries
receive serious considered debate.
Perhaps the Prime Minister is unaware of the fact that in last year’s report from the British Beauty
Council figures revealed that the beauty industry contributes more to the UK economy than the
motor manufacturing industry? Perhaps he is ignorant of the 590,500 jobs supported by the
industry? Or the £7 billion provided annually by Beauty to the treasury?
North Devon Labour Party recognises the immense contribution made by Beauticians, Wellness
practitioners and Salons to our economy. We see how vital this industry is to maintaining our high
streets. We recognise the value of an industry employing and engaging people from all backgrounds
and circumstances, providing flexible working and opportunities for people to own their own
business.
It would send shockwaves through Parliament to see an MP and the PM mocking an industry such as
car manufacture so why was this behaviour deemed acceptable by these two and other members of
Government? This raises serious questions regarding attitudes to sectors traditionally seen as
female led as well as their perceived lack of understanding regarding the value of the Beauty
industry to our economy. If the Prime Minister only engages in the industry in the context of a joke,
what hope do Beauticians and Salon owners have of feeling heard and understood? How can they
possibly have faith in this Government to act with consideration of their interests?
North Devon Labour Party believes the Prime Minister should immediately apologise to those
working within the Beauty industry, publicly acknowledge its immense value and act to ensure
Salons are supported to survive this crisis and return to business along with other sectors.
Tamsin Higgs
Diversity Officer
North Devon CLP