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Question
Shadow Minister Lisa Nandy questioned why there were no sanctions announced against officials responsible for human rights abuses in Xinjiang, despite previous media reports indicating such measures were planned. She noted the inadequacy of current actions and urged for more robust steps to ensure accountability.
Minister reply
No specific answer provided.
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Question
The MP questioned the delay in sanctions announcement, criticised the government's actions as insufficient for combating human rights abuses, and raised concerns about the effectiveness of proposed export controls. She also highlighted the EU's initiative to introduce mandatory due diligence legislation.
Minister reply
Responding to criticism, the Minister denied briefing media earlier and emphasised that only one other country has applied Magnitsky sanctions in relation to China specifically regarding Xinjiang. He stated that all measures announced are new and defended the government’s approach towards trade policy amendments.
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Question
The MP welcomed the statement, supported actions taken by the Foreign Office, including backing the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's inquiry into Xinjiang. He raised concerns about academic freedoms and distortion of ideas in institutions such as Jesus College, Cambridge.
Minister reply
Acknowledging the work done by the MP, the Minister emphasised the importance of targeting money to prevent financial support for harmful actions. He also stated that legislative measures would be taken to protect academic freedoms and research integrity from coercion.
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Question
The MP thanked the Foreign Secretary for measures regarding forced labour and human rights abuses in Xinjiang, noting support while expressing some constructive suggestions. He discussed Magnitsky sanctions, scrutiny of Confucius institutes, supply chain due diligence, fines for malfeasance, procurement rules exclusion to companies, and export regime controls.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary addressed Alyn Smith's points regarding Magnitsky sanctions, academic freedom, supply chain audits, fines, and government procurement. He confirmed that the measures will target those profiting from forced labour and emphasised the importance of due diligence in business engagement.
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Question
The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary's statement but questioned why Magnitsky sanctions were not announced, especially given the week of the holocaust memorial. He urged for a better amendment to address genocide.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab thanked Iain Duncan Smith and acknowledged the importance of addressing human rights abuses. He stated that while they keep Magnitsky sanctions under review, the measures taken today are more targeted towards finance involved with forced labour camps.
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Question
The MP questioned why the Foreign Secretary did not explicitly call the human rights abuses in Xinjiang 'genocide' and asked about finding alternative routes for legal determination. She echoed the need for a cross-party amendment.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab thanked Layla Moran, noting that while courts determine genocide under international law, it is important to engage with countries below this level of human rights abuse in terms of executive decisions.
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Question
The MP welcomed the Foreign Secretary's measures on business requirements and supply chains but expressed confusion over not explicitly calling out genocide. She urged for a better amendment focusing on judges.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab thanked Nusrat Ghani, acknowledging that the definition of genocide is high under international law, and suggested securing an authoritative third body like the UN human rights commissioner to review Xinjiang.
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Question
Thanked the Secretary of State for addressing human rights abuses in China, specifically concerning Tibetan Buddhists facing persecution similar to Uyghurs. Mentioned more than half a million labourers detained in camps and asked about forced labour from other areas under Chinese Communist party control.
Minister reply
Acknowledged concerns regarding Tibet and the lack of well-documented evidence compared to Xinjiang, emphasised transparency requirements under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
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Question
Asked about moral implications for British firms profiting from forced labour and torture in Xinjiang. Mentioned one million extra-judicially interned individuals.
Minister reply
Stated clear stance against profiting from forced labour or torture, highlighted need for third-party review and international pressure.
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Question
Welcomed measures but suggested they are insufficient. Raised concerns about the genocide convention and China's veto power.
Minister reply
Acknowledged use of Magnitsky sanctions, emphasised need for international support to ensure accountability.
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Question
Praised balanced statement on constructive relationship with China within rules-based system. Suggested keeping Magnitsky provisions under review.
Minister reply
Emphasised commitment to security and values, stated willingness to use Magnitsky sanctions based on evidence.
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Question
Welcomed action but suggested more is needed. Asked about independent UN investigation and protection for Uyghur refugees.
Minister reply
Acknowledged commitment to accountability, highlighted need for international pressure to secure UN Human Rights Commissioner access.
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Question
Welcomed statement but emphasised need for clear leadership on issue. Raised concerns about perception among British Muslim communities.
Minister reply
Reassured leader role in UN and commitment to international partnerships, including with Muslim countries.
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Question
The MP expressed concerns about the human rights violations against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, comparing them to genocide and criticising the Chinese government's propaganda. He asked whether asylum applications from Uyghur Muslims could be prioritised.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab responded that prioritising one category of asylum claims over another would be problematic, as the system is based on individual suffering and persecution.
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Question
The MP welcomed today's announcement and asked whether mechanisms could combat forced labour and modern slavery.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab agreed that the mechanisms would be key, but also emphasised the need to work with international partners for effective measures.
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Question
The MP echoed calls for discussing support for the Uyghur diaspora and a presumption against deportation of those seeking asylum.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab responded that anyone with an asylum claim could not be deported, and welcomed collaboration with devolved administrations to send out a coherent message.
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Question
The MP asked about building a global alliance against China's violation of international norms.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab pointed to the work done in the Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly, where over 30 countries supported statements on human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
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Question
The MP welcomed what the Foreign Secretary had said but suggested he could be a bit stronger on sanctions.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab responded that they would not take diktats from any government and would protect national security and values while promoting international action.
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Question
The MP asked how to effectively hold those responsible accountable for human rights violations.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab thanked Fiona Bruce for her appointment and emphasised targeted measures and international collaboration.
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Question
The MP welcomed the statement but expressed disappointment, asking whether UK judges could provide expert input to hold China accountable.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab responded that targeted measures like export controls and transparency requirements are more effective than judicial determinations.
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Question
The MP asked about the importance of international bodies having unfettered access to Xinjiang.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab agreed that this would be essential for accountability and suggested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights as an authoritative figure.
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Question
The MP expressed concern about state-sanctioned Islamophobia in Xinjiang and asked whether the UK Government would use sanctions.
Minister reply
Dominic Raab responded that through transparency requirements, fines, export controls, and other measures, they are increasing targeted pressure on China.
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Question
The appalling and abhorrent persecution of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang has rightly received sustained condemnation not only from all parts of this House but from around the world. Let us not mince words and let us call it what it is: genocide. With that in mind, will my right hon. Friend outline what practical steps he is taking to co-ordinate international responses, providing hard-hitting sanctions against the Chinese Government and all those guilty of these heinous crimes?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bury South (Christian Wakeford). I think that we have shown precisely the international leadership that he has cited. The reality is that we gained, I think, 35-plus countries in support of our statement in the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee, but a lot of countries around the world either do not wish to take the measures that he described or are understandably nervous, given their proximity to China or their economic size, about the reprisals that China would take. We need to proceed carefully and sensitively with our international partners—on that point, he is absolutely right.
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Question
Although I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s announcement on forced Uyghur labour, like a number of hon. Members I feel that it failed to address suspected genocide against Uyghur Muslims. A recent tweet by the Chinese Communist party branded the forced sterilisation of Uyghur women as emancipation. The UN convention on genocide clearly forbids such measures, so what steps is the Foreign Secretary taking to support the appointment of a UN special rapporteur to investigate forced labour and ethnic persecution in Xinjiang?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman raises a really interesting matter, and I know that he has raised it before. The challenge is that we know that China would block efforts to appoint a special rapporteur or envoy. He would agree that we do not want to give that, if you like, PR coup or failed initiative to our detractors. The one thing we can and should do, as I have said several times to the House, is focus on getting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights some kind of access to Xinjiang. That will keep it on the agenda—I do not think that anyone can accuse the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of being anything other than objective and impartial.
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Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement, and I welcome the measures that he has outlined. Would he agree that if China is to be considered a leading member of the international community it must abide by basic international rules and norms?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He is right as a matter of human rights, but he is also right as a matter of trust. One of the issues on this and in relation to the joint declaration in the context of Hong Kong, as we have said, is that these are obligations freely assumed. These are basic obligations that come with being a responsible and, as he says, leading member of the international community. Ultimately, if China cannot live up to those responsibilities and obligations, that raises a much broader issue of trust and confidence.
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Question
The poet Perhat Tursun, one of the foremost living writers in the Uyghur language, is one of around 1 million who have been disappeared by the Chinese state into the so-called re-education camps. Turson has been missing since his detention in January 2018. In one of his poems, he writes presciently: “When they search the streets and cannot find my vanished figure Do you know that I am with you”. The Foreign Secretary must go further than today’s announcements. Uyghurs are not being persecuted for what they pick, but for who they are. As with the Tibetans, does he support their right to the self-determination that they seek?
Minister reply
We certainly want to see the human rights, freedoms and basic liberties of the people of Tibet, Hong Kong and Xinjiang respected. We are taking a series of measures, and are in the vanguard internationally with the measures that we have taken. It is important to try to keep clusters of like-minded partners with us to have the maximum effect precisely to provide redress and accountability for the violations of human rights that the hon. Gentleman and I rightly deplore.
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Question
I thank the Foreign Secretary for his statement and welcome the strong stance that we are taking against the atrocious human rights violations we are seeing evidence of. I have had a number of constituents ask how we in the UK can play our part in tackling those violations. Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is incumbent on businesses to ensure that nothing they are doing is contributing to making the situation in Xinjiang worse?
Minister reply
I absolutely agree with the spirit, but also the practical advice and warning that my hon. Friend is giving. What we are trying to do is set out clear guidance for businesses, to which she refers, to make sure they are warned of the risks, because of course conducting due diligence on supply chains emanating from Xinjiang is quite tricky.
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Question
The Government are to be congratulated for the international leadership they have applied in this matter. To what extent does the Foreign Secretary think that the bribes, inducements and threats under the belt and road initiative are muting international condemnation from countries in Africa, the middle east and continental Europe that would otherwise be expected to join the UK wholeheartedly in condemning the depredations of President Xi and his people?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend will know—I pay tribute to his time at the Foreign Office, where he was an exceptional Minister—the challenges we face. He asks about belt and road. The truth is that China is a massive investor all over the world. We can see, with the EU investment agreement right the way through to what the Chinese Government are doing in Africa, that there is a huge amount of money at stake.
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Question
Vauxhall residents have contacted me, appalled at the widespread forced labour of the Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province. We must do everything in our power to stop the Chinese Government abusing their own people and to ensure that those responsible are held to account. I welcome the measures outlined by the Foreign Secretary on what additional help we can do to get our own house in order when it comes to doing business with Xinjiang, but the world must be united in its message to China. Can the Secretary of State confirm what further actions we are taking with our allies across the world to take a shared robust response to these appalling abuses?
Minister reply
I share the outrage of the hon. Lady’s constituents and I thank her for her support. We have laid out a suite of measures. I have explained what we are doing in the Human Rights Council, the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee.
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Question
I very much welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement on dealing with the horrific situation in Xinjiang. With regards to the United Kingdom’s leadership on the matter and the further actions it can take, the UK will be hosting the G7 later this year and will have the presidency of the Security Council next month, in February. Will this issue and the wider topic of freedom of religion or belief be put on the agenda of both conferences and events to show the United Kingdom’s strong leadership and to take firm, decisive action?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s work as special envoy for freedom of religion or belief. I can assure him, without divulging too much of the agenda in advance, that human rights will be at the forefront of our leadership this year—our presidency of the UN Security Council, our G7 presidency and more generally—because we believe that the UK has a crucial role to play in promoting open societies, including on human rights, but also in defending public goods in areas such as climate change and covid response.
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Question
Like others, I have been horrified by the reports of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, including mass detentions, forced sterilisations, efforts to restrict cultural and religious practices, and mass surveillance, disproportionately targeting the Uyghur population. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to support the appointment of a UN special rapporteur for the investigation of forced labour and ethnic persecution in Xinjiang?
Minister reply
We would certainly welcome such a special envoy, but, as I said in answer to a previous question, the reality is that China will block that if we formally propose it. That is why, as I have said repeatedly, what really matters is that an authoritative, independent, non-partisan individual or body can have access to Xinjiang. The UN human rights commissioner would seem to me to be one such individual who could perform that role—there are others—which is why we have raised it with our international partners and I have raised it with the UN Secretary-General.
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Question
I strongly welcome these measures, but will my right hon. Friend go further? Will he not just call out this persecution at the UN as genocide and invoke Magnitsky sanctions, as colleagues have suggested, but follow the example of Congress in passing a reciprocal access Bill—I have my Tibet (Reciprocal Access) Bill on the Order Paper—to prohibit Chinese officials from travelling to the UK if UK and western human rights inspectors are denied access to factories and prisons in Xinjiang and Tibet, for example, to verify the new measures that he has announced today?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his support for the measures that we have taken. I understand that he wants us to go even further. He knows—he is an expert in this area—the challenges in cajoling and carrying an international coalition to advance those goals. He is right to say that scrutiny and accountability are key. That is why we want to see an authoritative third party such as the UN human rights commissioner have access to Xinjiang. I will await with great interest his Bill, and I am sure Members will scrutinise it very carefully when it comes before the House.
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Question
Frustrating though it is for many of us, I understand the Foreign Secretary’s reluctance to engage on the question of genocide, but he will know from his own professional background that the Government have a duty to assess the risk factors of genocide against the Uyghurs in China in order to trigger their duty to prevent. All this came from the International Court of Justice judgment in the case of Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro. He will also know that that obligation crystallises at the moment that a state learns, or should have learned, of the serious risk of genocide. Can he confirm that his Department is making that assessment of the risk factors of genocide, and will he publish its conclusions?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman makes an interesting and insightful comment on genocide. Of course, I was in The Hague when the Bosnia judgment was being considered. The reality is that, in order to secure authoritative assessment and conclusions in relation to those widespread reports, which we think are tenable, plausible and credible, we need access to the camps. In a sense, throughout this statement, we are redefining the question. However, we come back to the point that we need to try to secure access to Xinjiang, and we will not be able to do that without sufficient and widespread pressure on the Chinese Government. The best vehicle for that is an authoritative, independent body or individual entrusted by the United Nations, of which China is a leading member through the Security Council. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights seems to me the right place and the right individual to support in that regard.