Second Report - Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond

The government rejects the recommendation to accept Parliament's view on genocide, reiterating its long-standing policy not to make such determinations, which it believes should be decided by a credible judicial process. However, it agrees there is compelling evidence of widespread human rights violations and commits to continued action with international partners.

The government rejects raising a bilateral complaint against China to CERD, arguing it would not increase scrutiny and would risk turning a global issue into a bilateral dispute, contrary to their strategy of concerted international pressure.

The government rejects the recommendation, stating that it does not currently believe there is sufficient support to successfully move for special sessions at the UN.

The government rejects the recommendation, stating that decisions on proprio motu investigations lie with the independent ICC Prosecutor, and that the ICC's jurisdiction is limited as the alleged crimes are occurring in a non-State Party territory.

The government rejects the recommendation, stating it does not plan to implement a specific asylum fast track for Uyghurs, but ensures all asylum claims are considered on individual merits and in accordance with international obligations.

The government rejects forming a 'coalition of sanctuary states', stating they will continue to intervene through diplomatic channels and other tools with international partners to prevent deportations, believing this action is most effective.

The government rejects the recommendation to raise a bilateral complaint against states deporting Uyghurs to China under the UN Convention against Torture, stating that such action is more effective when conducted in concert with international partners.

The government rejects the recommendation. It states that extending the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund to Xinjiang is not currently feasible due to scope restrictions, funding requirements, and logistical challenges. It also states that the provision of an additional Uyghur broadcast service is for the BBC World Service to decide, and the government cannot accept this on their behalf.

The government rejects reducing the Modern Slavery Statement threshold, citing a September 2020 review that determined the current £36m threshold remained appropriate and stating they have no plans to change it.

The government explicitly states it does not have plans to place import controls on goods from China, thus rejecting the recommendation for a ban, though it highlights other measures taken to tackle forced labour.

The government acknowledges the role of technology and is engaging with businesses and has existing guidance, but explicitly states it does not currently plan to issue further specific guidance on modern means of traceability and product origin verification.

The government rejects the recommendation for a national, cross-departmental strategy for atrocity prevention, stating that individual FCDO departments are best placed to tackle risks regionally.

The government rejects the recommendation to appoint a Special Envoy on Atrocity Prevention, stating that Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon already oversees relevant government policy and is well-placed for this work.