Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Imports from Xinjiang, China

Thursday 20 January 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial policies are under review in light of international actions regarding forced labour practices in Xinjiang.
  • The UK Government acknowledges the need for targeted responses against entities involved in forced labour.
  • Transparency and consumer choice are emphasized in the Government's approach to addressing human rights violations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about the use of forced Uyghur labour in the production of cotton and polysilicon, key components for solar panels, in the Xinjiang region. The Government previously stated they would pursue a positive economic relationship with China despite human rights violations.

Question

China is the largest cotton producer globally, with 84% coming from the Xinjiang region where forced Uyghur labour is prevalent. Similarly, the region produces 45% of the world's polysilicon supply for solar panels. Given that the Government previously stated they would pursue a positive economic relationship with China despite human rights violations, does the Minister think this approach is acceptable and will the import ban from Xinjiang be implemented?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

We are reviewing policies in light of international actions. We acknowledge the need for targeted responses against companies and states involved in forced labour practices but also emphasize transparency and consumer choice. The matter is under review, and we take human rights violations seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to ban imports from Xinjiang

How: Keeping Policies Under Review, Emphasizing Transparency

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Immigration Brexit Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlights the dominance of China in global cotton production, with 84% coming from Xinjiang where forced Uyghur labour is reported. The region also dominates polysilicon supply for solar panels. A previous statement indicated a positive economic approach towards China despite human rights concerns.

Question

China's Xinjiang region produces 84% of global cotton and 45% of polysilicon, key in solar panel production. Given the forced Uyghur labour practices there and previous statements about maintaining economic ties with China, does the Minister find this approach acceptable? Will they now follow the US by banning imports from Xinjiang?

Answer from Penny Mordaunt

We are reviewing policies based on international actions. We acknowledge the need for targeted responses against companies and states involved in forced labour practices but also emphasize transparency and consumer choice. The matter is under review, and we take human rights violations seriously.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to ban imports from Xinjiang

How: Keeping Policies Under Review, Emphasizing Transparency

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)