BURBERRY FACTORY CLOSURE

That this House notes Burberry's announcement that it intends to close its designer clothing plant in Treorchy and relocate production in Asia or South America, where labour costs are lower; is concerned that other Burberry operations in the UK may be similarly affected; believes that by withdrawing from British production Burberry will damage its own brand, which it describes as a luxury brand with a distinctive British sensibility; further notes that for the period 2005-06 the retail value of products sold bearing the Burberry brand was in excess of £2.7 billion; and supports the GMB campaign calling on Burberry to reconsider its decision and to keep Burberry British.