Recent Bangladesh Disaster May we all offer our sympathy to all the families and friends of the 900+ people that died in a totally preventable occurrence. These poor individuals died in circumstances that we would not tolerate in the Western Europe. I hope European companies that buy products from these type of businesses will think twice how garments are produced so cheaply and the ultimate cost that fellow human beings have paid.

MEden380, there are few who would disagree with your words but we cant be under any illusion that the many things we all consume and take fro granted (not just clothing) are manufactured in similar premises throughout the east. We have all been in the high street and picked up items and thought how can I get this 'for a quid' !! Now we know? A mere 100 year ago when 3 quarters of the world map was pink and built on steam generated for the coalfields of the UK the powers that be then were prepared to exploit life 'nearer home' for the same purpose - little changes when you reflect in either contemporary / recent history.

A laudable sentiment Jay, but how much more will YOU pay? Such pleas for additional funding, whether directed at countries, the World Bank, UN or a charitable/aid organisation, always seem to target somebody else's pocket. It's easy to say that 'they should pay', but less easy to convince them that it is should be them and not someone else.

All here (UK) guilty as charged of playing along in the game. Everyone of us throwing our arms in the air as usual but nothing will change. The orders will be past on to the next player. We get what we are prepared to pay for hence the demise of our industries. If the conditions have shocked you then where have you been the past few decades? These people live in boxes for the most part. The country is corrupt to the core and we trade with them knowing what goes on. What can we do about it? Give the H&S advice? A better bet would be clean water.

Pity we see other nation's failings but not our own. "They" are no more corrupt than here. The UK is riddlied with human trafficking, slavery (quite litterally!) and other forms of explotation. "We" are more devious however.

Walker - I appreciate the sentiment, but beg to differ. A leading international organisation on the topic would confirm that corruption very much relies on where you are, Bangladesh is worse than 'we' are, and you think thats just because we are better at hiding it...? http://www.transparency.org/cpi2011/interactive

Conclusions of the ILO's high level mission to Bangladesh Joint statement issued by the tripartite partners at the conclusion of the ILO's high-level mission sent to Dhaka, Bangladesh, following the Rana Plaza Building collapse--4th May 2013 http://www.ilo.org/globa...m?shared_from=media-mail The last para states that ........"The tripartite partners(Bangladesh government, employers and workers) and the ILO acknowledge that the challenges are daunting but believe that, if international buyers and brands take increased responsibility for improving working conditions and safety and health and with the active support of development partners and donors, safety can and must be improved in all workplaces throughout Bangladesh" The proof will be in the puddi- let us wait and see what actually occurs!

How do we compare internationally in context of fatal and serious accident incidence rates, both at work and at home due to non-compliance/enforcement6 to Building Regulations and Health & Safety Regulations? Even one death could be construed as avoidable, but there is no point in looking at the "glass being half empty" all the time. The fact of the matter is that on a COMPARATIVE basis, the system of both regulation & enforcement in UK ,is much better than the emerging & developing economies. Of course we can and should improve. I look at it as a glass being half full rather that half empty( I could have used another analogy as the glass being 90% full instead of 10 % empty!) This view is not about being boastful or patronising or idealistic, but from personal experience of having either lived or worked in other countries (Kenya & Tanzania-18 years, India-16 years) and having experienced first hand the down side of what really was, and still remains bad/corrupt governance at national level Regarding historical governance aspects, nations move on and many have learnt from their History. I doubt whether there is any society at a national level, even at provincial level where there is no exploitation.

Dhaka building collapse: Factories and buyers http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22474601 Eight top fashion retailers fail to sign Bangladesh safety accord--The accord on building safety in Bangladesh has been signed by Primark, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Zara and Tesco http://www.guardian.co.u...o-sign-bangladesh-accord I do not think that for ALL the Brands listed, their clothing is that cheap, although it is from a handful. The significant profits are made by the factory owners, middleman and multinational companies.