A Clarion Call For Stronger UK Legislation to end modern slavery

Support Grows For Better Scrutiny on Goods From Xinjiang
And Ending Forced Labour

 

  * Special thanks to Asry Kalko on her contributions in our campaign. Asry Almi Kaloko is a master’s student in International Relations at the University of Birmingham, specialising in the Indo-Pacific region and global political dynamics. As a dedicated advocate and researcher, Azry engages in policy analysis and strategic advocacy to promote sustainable development and global equality. Her work focuses on highlighting the importance of international cooperation in tackling global challenges.

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Liberal Democrats are committed to parliamentary action on banning imports from areas with egregious abuses such as Xinjiang (see Manifesto GE2024).

We believe that the fast fashion business model is inherently dependent on exploitative environmental practices and human rights abuses. This is especially true of the modern slavery and unethical labour practices notoriously linked to garment manufacturing in Xinjiang, China. There is undeniable confirmation of forced labour of the Uyghur minority in China. (see Autumn Conference 2023 F16 motion.)

We are continuing our campaign to strengthen UK Legislation to end the import of goods tainted with forced Labour. 

Working with researchers like Asry Kaloko (see article), we call on Parliament to act now to bring stronger UK legislation. Meanwhile, the Foreign Prison-Made Goods Act 1897 certainly needs an update. Further, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is an important step but authorities need the teeth to investigate. Criminals hiding in an authoritative regime like Beijing and flouting the law in modern slavery. Lastly, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 which the Liberal Democrats can be proud of, is showing constraints when modern slavery is practically sanctioned by a bad state actor.

All these may come at a small economic cost. But as naming companies who exploit Russia's war on Ukraine shows, the practice of fairness and equal treatment always translates to consumer confidence and increased corporate value.

Our determination to strengthen UK legislation against forced labour in China will also help economies in developing countries. For years, China has been dumping goods below cost. Many of these are tainted with forced labour. These included Chinese EVs and Solar Panels tainted for forced labour in mining and manufacturing. This is backed up by research from the Helena Kennedy Centre (footnote 2) and the Human Rights Watch (footnote 3). 

The UK International Development strategy should also support building economic strength in the Global South. Xinjiang cotton is unfairly hurting small household cotton farmers in the African continent. Similarly, our reliance on cheap Chinese goods even though they are risky goods with forced labour in the supply chain, is not giving a fair chance to manufacturers who sign up for fair trade practices. A Stronger UK legislation against the import of goods from areas with egregious abuses such as Xinjiang will put global partners back on a level playing field and make it harder for China to pull states further into autocracy through dependency on Beijing’s patronage.   

Thus,

1. Inflationary hikes will be minimal in exchange for UK Business and Consumers peace of mind;
    
2. All UK authorities, such as the National Crime Agency, should take the initiative and make regular checks on imports;
    
3. Indication shows these proposed legislation reforms will help improve corporate value and increase consumers’ confidence;
    
4. The rewards are high for stronger UK legislation to end forced labour.
    

 We call for action on stronger UK legislation by:

  A.  Making imports to first prove they are not tainted with forced labour anywhere in their supply chain;

  B. That the UK authorities have the power and will to initiate investigations into suspicious goods, supply chains and manufacturers;

  C. Providing a better safeguard for UK companies and preventing them from falling foul of criminality under UK law or International law such as grievous crimes against humanity;

  D. Maintaining UK laws in line with EU legislation intentions to maintain ease of trade and markets for UK Businesses to conduct trade in the EU single market.  

References

1. Forging a path to end Modern Slavery: A clarion call for stronger UK legislation, Asry Kaloko, available on Lib Dem Voice at https://www.libdemvoice.org/forging-a-path-to-end-modern-slavery-a-clarion-call-for-stronger-uk-legislation-76245.html

2. Over-Exposed, Sheffield Hallam University, paper available at https://www.shu.ac.uk/helena-kennedy-centre-international-justice/research-and-projects/all-projects/over-exposed

3. Asleep at the Wheel – Car Companies’ Complicity in Forced Labour in China, Human Rights Watch, paper available at https://www.hrw.org/report/2024/02/01/asleep-wheel/car-companies-complicity-forced-labor-china