Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Surveillance Technology Trade with China 2022-06-16

2022-06-16

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
▸ Context
China's influence in the UK through its surveillance technology has raised concerns about national security and human rights violations.
What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the impact of trade with China on surveillance technology. The EU Parliament, Australian Government, and US recognise dangers of Chinese state-owned surveillance cameras due to national security considerations and facilitation of human rights atrocities in Xinjiang. The UK continues trading these products in schools, hospitals, streets, and government departments. Does the Minister agree that UK should immediately cease trading in security equipment with China?
Ranil Jayawardena
We remain seriously concerned about allegations levied against Chinese surveillance firms regarding Xinjiang, and we take the security of our citizens, systems, and establishments very seriously. We have measures to scrutinise the integrity of arrangements, and the Procurement Bill will strengthen public sector bodies' ability to disqualify suppliers with misconduct histories.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ceasing trade in security equipment was not directly addressed.
We Take The Security Of Our Citizens, Systems And Establishments Very Seriously.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op
York Central
▸ Context
China's surveillance technology firms have been implicated in human rights violations, leading to sanctions from the EU Parliament, Australian Government, and US.
The UK continues trading products such as surveillance cameras from companies like Hikvision despite national security concerns and involvement in Xinjiang atrocities. Does the Minister agree that UK should immediately cease trading in these security equipment with China?
Ranil Jayawardena
We are seriously concerned about allegations against Chinese surveillance firms regarding Xinjiang and take security of citizens very seriously. We have measures to scrutinise arrangements and the Procurement Bill will strengthen ability to disqualify suppliers with misconduct histories.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ceasing trade in security equipment was not directly addressed.
We Take The Security Of Our Citizens, Systems And Establishments Very Seriously.
Response accuracy