Uyghur and Turkic Muslims: Forced Labour in China

He welcomed the Court of Appeal's decision to overrule the National Crime Agency's non-investigation stance and congratulated the Global Legal Action Network and World Uyghur Congress on their success. He stated that 85% of Chinese cotton is grown in Xinjiang, and there are nearly 50 million people trapped in slavery worldwide. Jones called for retailers to be compelled to review supply chains and ensure ethically sourced materials, decent livelihoods, and safe working conditions. He agreed with Sir Geoffrey Nice KC's findings of genocide by China against the Uyghurs and asked the Minister to support Liberal Democrat policies, back Magnitsky-style sanctions under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, ensure UK grants asylum to those fleeing genocide, and explicitly condemn Chinese state actions as genocide.

Jim Shannon highlighted the severe human rights abuses faced by Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province, including forced labour, torture, arbitrary detention, and cultural erasure. He mentioned that since 2017 up to 3 million Uyghurs may have been detained in 're-education camps'. Additionally, he noted that an estimated 80,000 Uyghurs have been forcibly moved to work in factories across China under forced labour conditions. Shannon also raised concerns about the surveillance infrastructure and artificial intelligence used by Chinese authorities to monitor and control Uyghur populations.

Ms Rimmer highlighted the use of forced labour by Uyghur and Turkic Muslims in China's solar, electric vehicle, cotton, and seafood industries. She urged the UK to reset trade policies and impose sanctions on countries exploiting labour. She cited estimates that 40% of the UK's solar industry is at risk of being tainted by Uyghur forced labour and called for a presumptive ban similar to the US act. Ms Rimmer also stressed the need to review Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act to ensure companies clean up their supply chains.

He expressed concern over the forced labour of Uyghur and Turkic populations in China's Xinjiang region, noting that over 1 million people are detained under abhorrent conditions. He highlighted actions taken by the previous government to address this issue but raised concerns about current ties between the Government and companies like SHEIN, which have been criticised for links to forced labour.

Mr. Tim Roca highlighted the complicity of many companies in supply chains involving forced labour, particularly within the automotive industry. He cited research from Sheffield Hallam University indicating that most car brands are at risk of sourcing products made with forced labour from Xinjiang. Mr. Roca called for mandatory human rights due diligence laws and import bans on goods linked to forced labour.

The MP expressed gratitude to his hon. Friend for securing the debate, highlighting its importance and noting that Muslim communities would be appreciative of the discussion on ethical supply chains.