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NHS PPE Supply Chains: Forced Labour
14 July 2022
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Maria Caulfield
Tags
NHSForeign AffairsBusiness & TradeStandards & Ethics
Word Count: 8463
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about nhs ppe supply chains: forced labour in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.