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UK-China Relations
26 March 2025
Lead MP
Gregory Stafford
Farnham and Bordon
Con
Responding Minister
Catherine West
Tags
ImmigrationClimateBrexitForeign Affairs
Word Count: 9298
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Gregory Stafford raised concerns about uk-china relations in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Gregory Stafford urges the Government to clarify whether they will take measures similar to those taken by the US to address slave labour and ensure compliance with human rights standards. He also calls for legal requirements for companies to comply with sanctions against slave labour in supply chains.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Since Brexit, the UK has sought to diversify its economic relationships beyond Europe, leading China to become the third largest trading partner. However, this relationship presents security risks due to China's use of slave labour in supply chains, particularly in solar panels and wind farms. Over 1 million Uyghur Muslims are imprisoned in forced labour camps in Xinjiang, with UK industries dependent on materials from that region.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Miller expressed disappointment with the Government's current stance on China, advocating for clearer recognition of the strategic threat posed by China and setting out red lines to show consequences for breaches. Asked about the use of 'sticks' in relation to China if desired outcomes are not met.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
The hon. Member supports the idea of economic security being national security, highlighting that China uses its dominance in trade and raw materials as an extension of foreign policy, suggesting we learn from their approach to use our own public procurement. McDonald raised concerns about intellectual property being given away to Chinese entities through UK university campuses set up in China, potentially aiding competition against British industry.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
The hon. Member agrees that the scale of fear in the Hong Kong community is extremely concerning and emphasizes the need for the British Government to address aggressive acts by the Chinese state.
Edward Morello
Lab/Co-op
Stalybridge and Hyde
Edward Morello provided statistics indicating that 35% of China’s energy is renewable, which will increase to 60% by the end of this decade, highlighting potential areas for cooperation. Inquired about the expected publication date of the Government's China audit and whether the Foreign Secretary would appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss it.
Chingford and Woodford Green
The right hon. Member agrees that these materials are critical, comparing them to oil and noting China's intentions in the market as shown by their actions two years ago when they blocked Japan from access.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The right hon. Member addresses the systematic persecution of religious minorities in China, emphasizing that it is a moral imperative for us to take a firm stance against such violations and to protect freedom of religion or belief.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Jopp questioned whether the UK is turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in pursuit of economic growth, emphasizing the need for balance between cooperation and challenge with China.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
Emphasised the importance of excluding slave labour from supply chains for solar panels on moral grounds and to enable fair competition among alternative producers globally. The hon. Gentleman supports the case made about Jimmy Lai, suggesting that every opportunity should be taken to raise his situation with Chinese authorities.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Mike Martin questioned the logic of engaging with China given its ties with Russia, but Tony Vaughan argued that economic realities and trade interests necessitate engagement despite political tensions.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Richard Foord referenced a report by the Intelligence and Security Committee highlighting China’s national security threat to the UK, prompting Tony Vaughan to agree that a national security-first approach must be taken.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Stressed that there is no way to ascertain if suppliers are buying from slave labour due to lack of sanctions, contrasting UK approach with US which penalises companies for using slave labour.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Asked Gregory Stafford about whether robust mechanisms could address concerns over slave labour, questioning the effectiveness of current safeguards. While acknowledging the importance of addressing religious persecution, Tony Vaughan argued for a balanced approach that includes economic engagement with China to address global challenges like climate change and artificial intelligence safety.
Government Response
Catherine West
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Discussed the strategic approach towards China, highlighting co-operation on issues like climate change while competing where interests differ. Mentioned visits to China by various ministers and the pressing of Chinese Government on key concerns such as Jimmy Lai's release and human rights issues in Xinjiang. Stressed the importance of the China audit and its publication before the end of spring, confirming the Foreign Secretary’s availability to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee upon request. The Government will continue to hold China accountable on its human rights record, as reflected in the item 4 statement at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Over 219,000 applications have been granted through the British national overseas visa route for Hongkongers since its launch. The Government recognise the ongoing erosion of rights and freedoms threatening Hong Kong’s way of life.
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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.