Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Paragraph: 42
In its response to this report, we ask that the Government inform us of when...
Conclusion
In its response to this report, we ask that the Government inform us of when the Department for International Trade will share the export review’s findings and actions with Parliament.
Paragraph Reference:
42
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is committed to preventing the export of any goods that could contribute either directly or indirectly to the human rights violations occurring in Xinjiang. To that end, the Government announced on 12 January an urgent review of export controls as they apply specifically to the situation in Xinjiang. The UK already has one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. This prevents British firms from exporting certain goods, including those that could be used for internal repression or to breach human rights. In addition, we have maintained an arms embargo against China since 1989, which was extended to Hong Kong in July 2020. Reviewing existing controls as they apply to China requires significant research into the technologies of concern as well as the impact on legitimate trade and investment in those technologies. It is important this work is done properly to ensure we tackle issues of concern but also minimise the impact on legitimate trade. DIT will report back to Parliament at the conclusion of its current review.