Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 45
The Government cannot stand idly by while some companies keep operating with wilful blindness.
Recommendation
The Government cannot stand idly by while some companies keep operating with wilful blindness. We recommend the creation of a Director-led working group within the Department to tackle the ongoing lack of transparency in supply chains specifically linked to the use of forced labour of, but not limited to, Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The working group should coordinate action across Government in relation to the enforcement and strengthening of business compliance with relevant legislation, UN diplomacy, Magnitsky sanctions and human rights declarations.
Paragraph Reference:
45
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government is committed to supporting businesses to tackle and prevent modern slavery risks in their supply chains. The Government encourages companies to follow the blueprint laid out in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights on how to conduct human rights due diligence. We encourage companies to monitor their supply chains with rigour, to uncover and remedy any risks of forced labour or other labour abuses. We also recognise that this issue is not unique to Uyghur forced labour in Xinjiang, which is why many of the initiatives the Government is pursuing aim to create mechanisms that are actor agnostic and designed to tackle forced labour wherever it occurs. UK policy on China, including on Xinjiang, is coordinated across Government. Our policy towards China is agreed by the National Security Council and is reviewed regularly. The NSC sets the UK’s strategic objectives on China which cover the depth and breadth of UK-China engagement, and the implications of China’s growing geopolitical and global role. The China National Strategy Implementation Group, a cross-Whitehall group of senior officials, prepares NSC discussions and takes forward our detailed approach to China, including on Xinjiang. A working level cross-Government working group was established in August 2020 to coordinate action related to the human rights situation in Xinjiang. Meetings are frequent and well attended by all relevant departments, and the group monitors progress on all Xinjiang-related work streams, including transparency in supply chain issues. This working group developed the package of measures announced on 12 January 2021 and continues to coordinate implementation and consider further action as appropriate. Given there is already significant cover of these issues within our existing architecture, the Government is not currently considering the establishment of a Director-led working group. However, the Government notes the recommendation and would like to reassure the Committee that cross-Whitehall governance structures are kept under review to ensure effective coordination at all levels on these important issues.