UK Should Ban Imports of Goods Made with Xinjiang Forced Labour, Says Senior Lawmaker

LONDON (Reuters) – A senior lawmaker from the ruling Labour party has called for Britain to ban imports of products produced using forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. Liam Byrne, who previously served as a Labour minister and currently chairs parliament’s Business and Trade Committee, expressed his desire for a British equivalent of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act introduced by the United States in 2021.

Byrne emphasized the need for the new Labour government to fulfill promises previously made by the Conservatives in the 2022 Queen’s Speech, which included strengthening the modern slavery act and enhancing supply chain reporting requirements. He believes that taking these steps would reaffirm Britain’s position as a leader in fair and trustworthy trade.

Byrne is joined by other senior UK lawmakers advocating for increased scrutiny of the fast-fashion retailer Shein, which has been preparing for a potential listing in London. His immediate goal is to invite Shein executives to testify before his committee, although the full committee has yet to be elected.

A spokesperson for Shein stated that the company maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labor and prioritizes visibility within its supply chain, asserting its commitment to human rights. The spokesperson added that the company requires its contract manufacturers to source materials solely from approved regions and conducts independent verification to ensure compliance.

Before Labour’s recent electoral victory on July 4, there was some support for Shein’s listing; however, opposition to this move is growing. In July, a campaign led by British retail consultant Mary Portas gathered momentum, prompting an online petition urging the government to prevent Shein’s London listing. Additionally, in June, the UK-based human rights group Stop UyghurGenocide initiated legal action aimed at blocking Shein’s potential initial public offering in London.