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Xinjiang: Uyghurs
29 June 2020
Lead MP
Iain Duncan Smith
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeBenefits & WelfareStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 35
At a Glance
Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about xinjiang: uyghurs in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Expressed concern about reports of birth control violations, forced labour, and the use of coercive measures against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. Cited research by Professor Adrian Zenz showing a significant drop in birth rates and called for an independent inquiry at the UN.
Nigel Adams
16:29:00
Acknowledged reports of human rights violations, including forced sterilization and the detention of over a million Uyghur Muslims in re-education camps. Stated that these issues have been raised bilaterally with China and at UN bodies.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Called for an independent inquiry into human rights violations, emphasising the need to weigh new evidence. Suggested a review of UK dependence on China and called for international cooperation against aggressive behavior.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Condemned actions by the CCP that infringe human rights, including forced IUD insertions and sterilization. Asked the Government to call for an impartial international investigation into Xinjiang.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Raised concerns about UK companies potentially benefiting from labour in re-education camps in Xinjiang, questioning their ability to operate freely.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Welcomes the consensus in the debate and calls for concrete action. Asks the Minister to promise investigations by UN observers of detention camps and forced sterilisation reports, and requests an audit of Government procurement contracts with Chinese companies.
Nigel Adams
Con
Sherwood
Acknowledges the concerns raised about Xinjiang and supports the idea that British firms should conduct due diligence in their supply chains. Emphasises ongoing efforts to gain UN access to the region.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Melton
Calls for Magnitsky-style sanctions against Chinese Communist party officials involved in cultural genocide of Uyghur people. Asks the Minister for a commitment to using these sanctions.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Glasgow North
Raises concerns about human rights abuses and due diligence in supply chains, urging the Government to ensure companies conduct thorough checks.
Mary Robinson
Con
Cheadle
Calls for redoubled efforts by the Minister to raise China's human rights record directly with Chinese counterparts.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Describes the systematic oppression of Uyghur Muslims and calls on the Minister to condemn it fully. Asks if Magnitsky powers are being considered for personal sanctions against perpetrators.
Paul Bristow
Con
Saffron Walden
Concerned about forced sterilisation reports, likening them to genocide and questioning whether business as usual is appropriate given the treatment of minorities in China.
Orkney and Shetland
Calls for more action from the Government, including taking this issue to the Security Council. Questions why such steps have not yet been taken.
Hastings and Rye
Raises concerns about discrimination against Christians in China and asks what is being done to ensure freedom of religion remains a major campaign for the Government.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
Highlights oppression of Tibetans and Uyghurs, including reports of sterilisation and eugenics. Asks about measures to gain access to evidence of surveillance technology aiding suppression.
The Uyghurs have been systematically persecuted for decades, with concentration camps built and forced sterilisation of women. I do not want to use any company that enables such practices and support public bodies expressing condemnation through boycotts.
Acknowledges the violations in Xinjiang but argues for a balanced approach, stating that political freedom and rule of law are essential for prosperity. He emphasises open discussions with China on human rights issues.
Florence Eshalomi
Lab Co-op
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
Supports the Minister's stance against Uyghur persecution but asks if the Government will give additional asylum support to Uyghurs seeking refuge in the UK.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Declares an interest as chair of the all-party group on the Uyghurs, calling for a UN resolution to investigate human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Considers Huawei's ethical standards in light of its involvement with Xinjiang Public Security Department and asks how the company can be compliant with UK ethical expectations.
Questions assurances about future UK-China relations given recent human rights violations, including organ transplants and forced sterilisation of Uyghur women.
Calls for a reset in Britain's relations with China unless it becomes a normal member of the international community due to its long list of unacceptable behaviours.
Presses for information on representations made to the UN and asks about protection measures for Uyghur women who have reported abuses.
Wycombe
Raises concerns over the implications of human rights violations in China for British Muslims, urging the Government to understand this as a critical issue for UK residents.
Questions the integrity of pursuing commercial agreements with Huawei given its ties to the Chinese Communist party and human rights violations in China.
Nigel Adams
Con
West Bromwich East
Responded to a question regarding the challenge posed by Huawei and expressed concerns about human rights in Xinjiang, stating that the National Cyber Security Centre is reviewing the impact of US sanctions on UK networks.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Expressed concern over reports of guilt by association in Xinjiang leading to family detention, asking what steps are being taken to combat China's aggression against the Uyghur Muslim community.
Nigel Adams
Con
West Bromwich East
Confirmed commitment to promoting human rights in Xinjiang through multilateral and bilateral activity with China, mentioning raising concerns at the UN Human Rights Council and during meetings with Chinese officials.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Critiqued the Minister's vague approach to encouraging due diligence and asked for concrete measures to enforce elimination of human rights abuses from technology supply chains linked to Xinjiang.
Nigel Adams
Con
West Bromwich East
Acknowledged the importance of due diligence for British firms wishing to do business in the region and confirmed that enforcement will continue.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden
Requested an international delegation visit to Xinjiang and emphasised the need for global brands to scrutinize their supply chains regarding forced labour camps.
Nigel Adams
Con
West Bromwich East
Agreed that companies must look closely at their supply chains due to concerns raised about human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Asked the Government to ensure post-Brexit trade deals do not come at the expense of human rights, emphasising that upholding values is non-negotiable.
Nigel Adams
Con
West Bromwich East
Confirmed that human rights and values are not a zero-sum choice in securing trade deals with China, noting the importance of political freedom for long-term prosperity.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Asked about steps to ensure decisive action by the UN Human Rights Council on monitoring and reporting Chinese Government's treatment of Uyghurs.
Nigel Adams
Con
West Bromwich East
Acknowledged ongoing efforts at the UN but noted that recent communications will not be the last on this issue.
Government Response
Crime & Law EnforcementEconomyForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeBenefits & WelfareStandards & Ethics
Government Response
Acknowledged the severity of human rights issues and emphasised that the Government has been active in raising these concerns bilaterally and at UN bodies. Also mentioned the requirement for companies bidding on UK government contracts to comply with transparency requirements under the Modern Slavery Act. Acknowledges concerns raised by MPs and reiterates ongoing efforts to raise the issue with UN and Chinese counterparts. Confirms commitment to due diligence in supply chains and mentions upcoming sanctions regime. Acknowledges concerns about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, including forced sterilisation of Uyghur women. Stresses the importance of open discussions and criticism with China while upholding UK values. Responded to multiple questions regarding human rights in Xinjiang, Huawei sanctions impact, and supply chain due diligence for British firms.
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House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.