Possible sanctions might be given to companies complicit in the procurement of goods from forced labour camps in China Xinjiang’s province, in an attempt to target those involved in human rights abuses.
Dominic Raab, UK foreign secretary, is set to release measures that punish failure “to meet commitments to show due diligence in their supply chains.”
So what?
Such rules might affect British-Chinese relationships, with the Chinese government denying claims of forced labour. Despite this, the sanctions are viewed as necessary and demonstrate a growing concern and awareness amongst the public. In December 2020, fashion retailer M&S, faced pressure to pull Xinjiang cotton from their supply chains.
Whilst this will undoubtedly cause political tensions across the two nations, the UK is setting a precedent for tackling the act of profiting from human rights violations, and emphasising the importance and need for transparent supply chains.
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