Tackling Forced Labour Practices 2026-01-20
2026-01-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Joint Committee on Human Rights warned that the UK risks falling behind the EU and US in addressing forced labour, particularly concerning products from Xinjiang.
I thank the Minister for his response. However, the UK’s Joint Committee on Human Rights has warned that without stronger action, we risk falling behind the EU and the US, and even becoming a dumping ground for goods produced with forced labour. Will the Government commit to introducing legislation that sends a clear and unequivocal message that the UK stands firmly against Uyghur forced labour, and will not allow such products into our market?
We are clear that no company in the UK should have forced labour in its supply chain. We are committed to promoting and protecting human rights, including in Xinjiang, and we continue to work with international partners to hold China to account for its human rights violations. The Government’s review of responsible business conduct is considering a range of policy options to tackle forced labour.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a specific legislative commitment as requested, but rather stated that they are reviewing policy options to address forced labour.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Energy Secretary emphasized the need to transition quickly towards renewable energy, raising concerns about potential human rights abuses in the supply chains of these renewables.
As the Energy Secretary insists that we move as quickly as possible to renewables, may I ask the Minister what steps he has in place to ensure that the materials—90% of them are processed materials—used in renewables are made without slave labour and human rights abuses?
We of course support voluntary human rights due diligence by businesses, as recommended in the UN’s “Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”. As I mentioned in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West (Mr Quigley), in the Government’s review on responsible business conduct, those will be some of the options that we take forward.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister provided general support for human rights due diligence but did not specify concrete steps or measures to ensure materials used in renewables are free from forced labour and abuses.
Response accuracy