Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

NHS PPE Supply Chains: Forced Labour

14 July 2022 · 2 other contributors · 8,463 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Maria Caulfield

Standards & EthicsNHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about nhs ppe supply chains: forced labour in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Jim Shannon raises concerns about 150 million worth of NHS PPE contracts awarded to Chinese firms linked to forced labour in Xinjiang.
  • Shannon calls for UK procurement policies to prevent modern slavery beyond the NHS supply chains.
  • Minister acknowledges steps taken and plans for secondary legislation to regulate procurement practices.

Key requests to Government

Shannon asks the Minister to address what must be done next regarding supply chains beyond the NHS and ensure that UK procurement policies prevent modern slavery. He also requests information on discussions with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) about implementing measures against human rights violations in Xinjiang.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Jim Shannon is concerned about the use of forced labour in Xinjiang for producing personal protective equipment (PPE) that entered NHS supply chains during the pandemic. He mentions that £150 million worth of PPE contracts were awarded to Chinese firms linked to forced labour abuses, including Winner Medical (£122M), China Meheco (£19M), and Sinopharm (£16.5M). Shannon also highlights long-standing issues such as mass forced labour, detention camps holding up to 2 million Uyghurs, torture, sterilisation, and organ harvesting.

Other contributors (2)
  • Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

    The MP expressed concern about the use of forced labour in Xinjiang, China, which accounts for at least 20% of global cotton production. She highlighted that many companies have increased their profits while using questionable supply chains. The MP urged the Government to resource adequate checks on procurement and bring to book any companies failing to follow guidelines.

  • Steven Bonnar SNP Glasgow North East

    Mr Bonnar highlighted the unethical practices in PPE supply chains, including sourcing from factories where forced labour was used. He cited several reports and statistics showing the involvement of slave workers and the use of funds for questionable contracts. Mr Bonnar called for a 'duty to protect' clause within the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and questioned why more concrete action was not taken sooner.

Government Response

Maria Caulfield

Acknowledged the importance of ensuring that NHS PPE supply chains are free from slavery or forced labour. Described steps taken, including a zero-tolerance approach and procurement practices adhering to good industry standards. Mentioned plans for secondary legislation under the Health and Care Act 2022 and the Procurement Bill to further regulate procurement practices. Highlighted ongoing work on supplier checks and supply chain visibility.

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