China’s Policy on its Uyghur Population — [James Gray in the Chair]

There is growing evidence that what is happening in Xinjiang province to Uyghur Muslims meets the legal definition of genocide. The speaker called for a formal mission led by the United Nations to systematically gather evidence to establish this legally.

Bob Seely emphasized the importance of consistency in addressing human rights abuses, discussed forced labour issues, and highlighted the need for a report on supply chains involving forced labour. He also raised concerns about China's surveillance state. I thank the Minister for giving way. I have a very quick question. Are companies actually abiding by the law? We have this great law, but a lot of forced labour seems to be taking place.

The Chinese government is systematically persecuting Uyghur Muslims, with reports of mass detention and forced sterilisation in Xinjiang. We need a tougher stance on China's human rights violations.

He congratulated Chris Evans on his powerful speech, highlighting the findings of Adrian Zenz's report which revealed that between 1 million to nearly 3 million Uyghurs have been detained in Xinjiang. He also discussed the intimidation and harassment faced by Uyghur refugees in Australia and warned about the birth suppression and declining population growth rates among Uyghurs, suggesting these actions meet the term genocide.

As a British Muslim, I am concerned about the cultural and religious annihilation of Uyghurs in China, with up to 1 million people rounded up into re-education camps where they face political indoctrination, forced sterilisation, and torture. Additionally, there is evidence of over 100 Uyghur cemeteries being destroyed and relocated, including one turned into a car park. The destruction of religious sites and banning of the Uyghur language are part of efforts to Sinocise Islam and remove non-Han Chinese cultural identity.

The hon. Member for Henley discussed the need for transparency and accountability regarding human rights abuses in China's detention camps. The MP congratulated the Minister on his work at the UN regarding human rights and inquired about the progress towards identifying individuals for Magnitsky sanctions against China. He also emphasized the need for international cooperation to address these issues effectively.

Kieran Mullan called for the use of Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations to address abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang, highlighting the need for action due to historical precedents. He stressed that while solutions are not simple, awareness and international cooperation are crucial.

The hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon highlighted the importance of addressing forced labour, cultural oppression, and mass surveillance in Xinjiang, urging the UK to lead by example. The MP highlighted the importance of consumer power in addressing human rights abuses, naming several companies that have ties to the Uyghur forced labour supply chain. She called for government scrutiny of international supply chains similar to efforts with forests.

The MP stated that the Government are not addressing the genocide of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. She cited evidence of mass incarceration, forced labour, and religious persecution. She also highlighted the need for sanctions against those involved in human rights abuses and for UK brands to be held accountable for profiting from forced labour.

The hon. Member for Harborough expressed concern about the human rights situation in Xinjiang and called on China to respect international norms.

The MP expressed concern about the UK government's failure to act against human rights violations in Myanmar, drawing parallels with the current situation regarding Uyghur Muslims. She urged the minister to step up and take action to prevent another genocide. The Minister mentions genocide. A clear-cut International Court of Justice case is currently ongoing, but the UK Government refuse to back it. What test has to be passed before our Government—a penholder in the UN on Burma—are likely to act? That is the problem: constant excuses.

I am concerned about the human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang and call for an independent inquiry to assess the situation. The British government must not turn a blind eye to these atrocities. The Uyghur population in Xinjiang province faces forced sterilisations, mass detentions, slave labour, and cultural destruction. The birth rate has dropped by almost a third. Shabana Mahmood urged the Government to impose Magnitsky sanctions against individuals involved with the Chinese Communist party due to evidence of genocide. She contrasted this lack of action with rapid sanctions imposed on Belarus following rigged elections. She also highlighted an amendment tabled in the Lords to empower the High Court to nullify trade agreements with regimes believed to have committed genocide, calling for cross-party support and legal measures beyond the UN's reach.

I joined parliamentarians in condemning the oppression faced by the Uyghurs, evidenced by shocking images of blindfolded men awaiting transport on trains reminiscent of concentration camps. There are accusations of torture, forced abortions, sterilisation of women, and removal of their wombs. I urge the Minister to support an independent tribunal and endorse its findings, as the Chinese Government's actions amount to a systematic programme of ethnic cleansing against Uyghurs.

The Uyghur people's plight is a scar on the conscience of the world. Stephen Kinnock urged the UK Government to take a leadership role in convening and co-ordinating the international response, stating that successive Conservative Governments' approach to China has been naive and complacent. He called for a reset in Sino-British relations based on mutual respect and outlined five specific actions for the Government: allowing full access to Xinjiang by the UN High Commissioner, deploying Magnitsky sanctions against CCP officials responsible for human rights abuses, exploring legal avenues such as the 1984 convention against torture, supporting an international law draft convention on crimes against humanity, and ensuring thorough due diligence of supply chains by British businesses.

China has violated international conventions on racial discrimination, torture, and genocide by mistreating the Uyghur Muslim population. It is essential to defend universal values and uphold individual rights for the freedom of British people. The speaker cited the case of Michael Kovrig to highlight China's repression.