Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains

Human Rights (Joint Committee) Closed Inquiry
Opened: 16 Jan 2025 Closed: 13 May 2026 Parliament page
The inquiry will examine the UK’s current legal and voluntary framework in relation to forced labour in international supply chains, and whether it is effective in managing forced labour exposure risks in the UK market, or if changes are required.
15 Recommendations
42 Conclusions
1 Report
Activity timeline 2 events
16 Oct
2025
Report published
24 Jul
2025
Report published
Title HC No. Published Items Response
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK Supply Chains HC 633 24 Jul 2025 57 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
57 results
1 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The evidence we heard demonstrates that goods produced by forced labour are being sold in...
The evidence we heard demonstrates that goods produced by forced labour are being sold in the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 21)
Government Response
The Government shares the Committee’s concern about the presence of forced labour in global supply chains and is committed to working to ensure that the UK market is not complicit … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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2 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
There is currently a piecemeal and ad hoc approach to addressing forced labour using domestic...
There is currently a piecemeal and ad hoc approach to addressing forced labour using domestic policy. This does not prevent goods linked to forced labour being sold in the UK, nor provide clarity for businesses. (Conclusion, Paragraph 31) New legislation … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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3 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
There is a lack of visible leadership and coordination within government on tackling forced labour...
There is a lack of visible leadership and coordination within government on tackling forced labour in UK supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 34)
Government Response
Government departments work together closely to enhance the Government’s approach to tackling forced labour in supply chains. The principal departments involved in this work are the Home Office, the Department … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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4 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should consider how it can provide visible leadership and coordination on the issue...
The Government should consider how it can provide visible leadership and coordination on the issue of forced labour in supply chains within government. (Recommendation, Paragraph 35) 76
Ministry of Justice
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5 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government’s China Audit has missed an opportunity by not publicly setting out an approach...
The Government’s China Audit has missed an opportunity by not publicly setting out an approach to addressing state-imposed forced labour in China. (Conclusion, Paragraph 42) Corporate responsibility: Transparency reporting and mandatory human rights due diligence (mHRDD) Read more
Ministry of Justice
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6 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act is not effectively motivating companies to address forced...
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act is not effectively motivating companies to address forced labour in their supply chains. The Committee is pleased to see the Government are considering changes to strengthen the duty. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)
Government Response
As already referenced, in the Trade Strategy 2025 the Government launched a review into the UK’s approach to responsible business conduct, focused on the global supply chains of businesses operating … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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7 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Government should strengthen the reporting duty under s.54 by establishing effective accountability mechanisms for non-compliance.
Government should strengthen the reporting duty under s.54 by establishing effective accountability mechanisms for non-compliance. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)
Government Response
The RBC review will have due regard to the approaches taken by our trading partners, including the European Union. Noting the EU’s adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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8 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Government should remove s.54(4)(b) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which enables companies to comply...
Government should remove s.54(4)(b) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, which enables companies to comply by reporting that no action has been taken. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61)
Government Response
The RBC review will consider the best way to promote a coordinated approach to responsible business that minimises costs to businesses, including SMEs. This will be consistent with the Prime … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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9 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Government should extend the TISC reporting duty to public organisations.
Government should extend the TISC reporting duty to public organisations. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62)
Government Response
Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 established the UK as the first country in the world to require businesses to report on how they are tackling modern slavery … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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10 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The UK’s current approach of relying on voluntary implementation of due diligence is not effectively...
The UK’s current approach of relying on voluntary implementation of due diligence is not effectively tackling forced labour in supply chains. Implementing mandatory human rights due diligence requirements for companies would level the playing field and be welcomed by many … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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11 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
In developing its own mandatory human rights due diligence, the UK should be mindful of...
In developing its own mandatory human rights due diligence, the UK should be mindful of the outcome of the CSDDD process in the EU, in order to ensure that businesses which operate in both the UK and EU are not … Read more
Government Response
The RBC review will have due regard to the approaches taken by our trading partners, including the European Union. Noting the EU’s adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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12 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
SMEs should be subject to lighter mHRDD requirements than larger companies, which should be proportional...
SMEs should be subject to lighter mHRDD requirements than larger companies, which should be proportional and risk-based to manage the specific risks of forced labour in their supply chains. Policymakers should support SMEs with guidance, tools and resources to help … Read more
Government Response
We are actively reviewing the effectiveness of existing UK measures, including as part of the RBC review, and considering the implications of a variety of approaches to tackle forced labour … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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13 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Committee supports the Government’s decision to establish a body that could play a role...
The Committee supports the Government’s decision to establish a body that could play a role in supporting businesses to address the risks of forced labour in their supply chains. (Conclusion, Paragraph 98)
Government Response
The Government remains firmly opposed to the use of state-imposed forced labour. We are considering how best to reflect this position within our broader frameworks for trade policy and responsible … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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14 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Verified supply chain and risk data and uniform supportive materials would be welcomed by business;...
Verified supply chain and risk data and uniform supportive materials would be welcomed by business; having a single source of information would help to create consistency in practice across organisations and sectors. (Conclusion, Paragraph 99)
Government Response
Tackling forced labour requires a whole-system approach of which the border is a part. Any approach would need to define the scale and scope of the activity alongside any potential … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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15 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government’s newly announced Supply Chain Centre should support companies to conduct effective HRDD by...
The Government’s newly announced Supply Chain Centre should support companies to conduct effective HRDD by providing a single point of access to verified information, guidance and resources. (Recommendation, Paragraph 100)
Government Response
The rebuttable presumption model is one of multiple mechanisms used by international partners to enforce forced labour import bans. We will continue to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of existing … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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16 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Regulatory oversight and accountability measures will be required to ensure compliance with the new due...
Regulatory oversight and accountability measures will be required to ensure compliance with the new due diligence requirements. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)
Government Response
The Government agrees that effective coordination is integral to tackling forced labour in supply chains. Decisions regarding oversight and enforcement of actions to tackle forced labour in supply chains will … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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17 Conclusion
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Imposing penalties for non-compliance with mHRDD would make the risks of non-compliance clear to companies...
Imposing penalties for non-compliance with mHRDD would make the risks of non-compliance clear to companies and provide a rationale for conforming which does not exist at present. (Conclusion, Paragraph 106)
Government Response
POCA provides law enforcement agencies with a powerful range of powers to seize cash and assets from individuals profiting from criminal activity. Government cannot direct how the POCA powers are … Read more
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18 Recommendation
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Government should establish effective regulatory arrangements to ensure compliance with the new rules for mHRDD,...
Government should establish effective regulatory arrangements to ensure compliance with the new rules for mHRDD, including penalties for non-compliance that are proportional to company turn over. (Recommendation, Paragraph 107)
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19 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
This regulatory function could be led either by the Office for Responsible Business Conduct or...
This regulatory function could be led either by the Office for Responsible Business Conduct or the Supply Chain Centre. The chosen body must be effectively resourced to deliver these new duties. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108) Import bans and restrictions Read more
Government Response
Identifying forced labour in international supply chains is challenging due to their complexity and opacity, the lack of transparency and reliable data. There is ongoing work to examine the extent … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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20 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The UK’s current approach to imports is inadequate to prevent goods linked to forced labour...
The UK’s current approach to imports is inadequate to prevent goods linked to forced labour from entering the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 116)
Government Response
The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. We remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. Having secure and growing trading relationships can increase … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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21 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Other key comparator markets such as the EU and USA have put in place import...
Other key comparator markets such as the EU and USA have put in place import bans on goods linked to forced labour. The UK’s lack of equivalent legislation puts the UK at risk of becoming a dumping ground for goods … Read more
Government Response
The Government is committed to ensuring labour standards are protected internationally. Our FTAs include important implementation tools which ensure labour commitments are constantly being discussed and progressed. These implementation tools … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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22 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should introduce an import ban to prevent goods produced using forced labour from...
The Government should introduce an import ban to prevent goods produced using forced labour from entering the UK market. This should establish: (i) how the risk of forced labour in supply chains will be identified; (ii) who is responsible for … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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23 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
In cases of state-imposed forced labour, it is not possible to seek to use buyer...
In cases of state-imposed forced labour, it is not possible to seek to use buyer leverage to improving working conditions. (Conclusion, Paragraph 136)
Government Response
The Procurement Review Unit (PRU) will consider all relevant evidence and consideration as part of any debarment investigation. The PRU plans to conduct a review of its debarment investigation processes … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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24 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The import ban recommended above must clarify that no company which uses or allows state-imposed...
The import ban recommended above must clarify that no company which uses or allows state-imposed forced labour in its supply chains can import goods to the UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 137)
Government Response
The Government is taking steps to address reports of forced labour in clean energy supply chains. This includes strengthened procurement rules and support for industry-led transparency initiatives, such as the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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25 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Effective implementation of a forced labour import ban would require effective data sharing and co-ordination...
Effective implementation of a forced labour import ban would require effective data sharing and co-ordination between multiple UK law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including HMRC, the NCA and Border Force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 146)
Government Response
The UK Government places a high priority on mining and mineral processing being carried out to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. We are committed to the sustainable … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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26 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Committee was encouraged by the reference in the UK’s Trade Strategy to plans to...
The Committee was encouraged by the reference in the UK’s Trade Strategy to plans to modernise detection capabilities and use pre-arrival data to enhance the tools available to Border Force. (Conclusion, Paragraph 147)
Government Response
The Government welcomes the work of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) in promoting transparency and accountability within the solar supply chain through the use of assessments driven by independent audits. … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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27 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
In taking steps to enable Border Force officers to find illicit consignments, the Government should...
In taking steps to enable Border Force officers to find illicit consignments, the Government should ensure they are enabled to search out consignments of goods linked to forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 148)
Ministry of Justice
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28 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
To aid enforcement, the UK’s import ban should include a rebuttable presumption that goods linked...
To aid enforcement, the UK’s import ban should include a rebuttable presumption that goods linked to regions where the UK Government considers state-imposed forced labour is imposed are linked to forced labour until proven otherwise. (Recommendation, Paragraph 155) Read more
Government Response
The Government recognises the scale and complexity of the solar supply chain, as well as the significant challenge of eradicating the scourge of forced labour across all sectors. As part … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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29 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The UK’s import ban should establish or designate a responsible body to oversee the implementation...
The UK’s import ban should establish or designate a responsible body to oversee the implementation of the import ban by facilitating data sharing and co-ordinating activity between different law enforcement agencies. Such a body must be provided with adequate powers … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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30 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The powers already available under POCA are being underused by law enforcement agencies in relation...
The powers already available under POCA are being underused by law enforcement agencies in relation to goods linked to forced labour which occurs outside of the UK. (Conclusion, Paragraph 178)
Government Response
We remain committed to amplifying survivor voices and recognise the valuable contribution that people with lived experience can make to meaningful legislative change and policy reform. After careful consideration, we … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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31 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The NCA and Border Force should use the existing powers under POCA to prevent goods...
The NCA and Border Force should use the existing powers under POCA to prevent goods linked to forced labour being sold in the UK and to seize assets linked to forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 179) Free Trade Agreements
Government Response
POCA provides law enforcement agencies with a powerful range of powers to seize cash and assets from individuals profiting from criminal activity. Government cannot direct how the POCA powers are … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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32 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The EU’s systemic approach to including human rights clauses in its free trade agreements provides...
The EU’s systemic approach to including human rights clauses in its free trade agreements provides an example of how the UK’s approach to trade could be used to project British values abroad. (Conclusion, Paragraph 194)
Government Response
The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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33 Conclusion
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The UK has not yet developed a uniform approach to embedding obligations to uphold human...
The UK has not yet developed a uniform approach to embedding obligations to uphold human rights in its trade agreements, and it is unclear how the impacts of such clauses are assessed and evaluated when used. (Conclusion, Paragraph 199)
Government Response
The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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34 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Ensuring clauses on human rights are included in trade agreements can demonstrate the UK’s values...
Ensuring clauses on human rights are included in trade agreements can demonstrate the UK’s values and principles in terms of forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 200)
Government Response
The Government recognises that free trade agreements are an important tool to help prevent, identify and eliminate forced labour in global supply chains. The UK will continue to pursue the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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35 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should make it an explicit policy to include provisions concerning forced labour in...
The Government should make it an explicit policy to include provisions concerning forced labour in future trade deals. (Recommendation, Paragraph 201)
Ministry of Justice
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36 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The UK should carry out effective impact assessments before entering trade negotiations with other nations.
The UK should carry out effective impact assessments before entering trade negotiations with other nations. These assessments should include analysis of how enhanced trading arrangements with the UK will impact the use of forced labour in the contracting state, and … Read more
Government Response
Identifying forced labour in international supply chains is challenging due to their complexity and opacity, the lack of transparency and reliable data. There is ongoing work to examine the extent … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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37 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The UK should not enter trade agreements or negotiations with states that actively and knowingly...
The UK should not enter trade agreements or negotiations with states that actively and knowingly participate in gross violations of human rights, such as state-imposed forced labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 205)
Government Response
The UK is a leading advocate for human rights around the world. We remain committed to the promotion of universal human rights. Having secure and growing trading relationships can increase … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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38 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should establish a regular, formal process to assess whether the obligations to uphold...
The Government should establish a regular, formal process to assess whether the obligations to uphold labour rights and human rights in trade agreements are being met. If breaches are found, the UK should have a policy of using dispute resolution … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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39 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Taxpayers are entitled to expect public money to be used carefully and responsibly.
Taxpayers are entitled to expect public money to be used carefully and responsibly. (Conclusion, Paragraph 210)
Ministry of Justice
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40 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Public procurement carries a higher risk of exposure to forced labour.
Public procurement carries a higher risk of exposure to forced labour. (Conclusion, Paragraph 211)
Ministry of Justice
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41 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Procurement Act and the Great British Energy Bill provide public buyers with new discretionary...
The Procurement Act and the Great British Energy Bill provide public buyers with new discretionary powers to reject suppliers if the use of forced labour is reasonably suspected. (Conclusion, Paragraph 222)
Ministry of Justice
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42 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
There is significant concern that public buyers, such as local authorities, will not have sufficient...
There is significant concern that public buyers, such as local authorities, will not have sufficient capacity to use discretionary powers effectively. (Conclusion, Paragraph 223)
Ministry of Justice
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43 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should assess how frequently the new discretionary powers are being used across public...
The Government should assess how frequently the new discretionary powers are being used across public sector buyers by analysing the reports on excludable suppliers submitted to the Procurement Review Unit by Contracting Authorities. If it appears the discretionary powers are … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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44 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The exclusion regime under the PA 2023 presents an opportunity to tackle forced labour in...
The exclusion regime under the PA 2023 presents an opportunity to tackle forced labour in public procurement if used correctly and to its full extent. However, this will depend on effective functioning of the Procurement Review Unit. (Conclusion, Paragraph 230) Read more
Ministry of Justice
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45 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should review the actions of the Procurement Review Unit to assess if its...
The Government should review the actions of the Procurement Review Unit to assess if its investigations are taking account of all relevant evidence and are effectively informing the exclusion regime within 12 months of the enactment of the Procurement Act … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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46 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Committee are encouraged by the Minister for Energy’s assurance that GBE will take action...
The Committee are encouraged by the Minister for Energy’s assurance that GBE will take action on issues or concerns relating to forced labour raised by the JCHR. (Conclusion, Paragraph 237)
Ministry of Justice
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47 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
Great British Energy must inform the Committee 12 months after this report is published to...
Great British Energy must inform the Committee 12 months after this report is published to set out (i) how the objective on measures for ensuring that slavery and human trafficking are not taking place in Great British Energy’s business or … Read more
Government Response
The Government is taking steps to address reports of forced labour in clean energy supply chains. This includes strengthened procurement rules and support for industry-led transparency initiatives, such as the … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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48 Conclusion
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The UK’s demand for imported critical minerals is highly likely to increase in the future...
The UK’s demand for imported critical minerals is highly likely to increase in the future as the green energy transition progresses. Based on the evidence we heard, the Committee is concerned that there is not a clear strategy for managing … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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49 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Critical Minerals Strategy should outline specific steps that the Government will take to address...
The Critical Minerals Strategy should outline specific steps that the Government will take to address the UK’s reliance on critical minerals which are sourced from regions with high risks of forced labour and child labour. (Recommendation, Paragraph 243) Read more
Government Response
The UK Government places a high priority on mining and mineral processing being carried out to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. We are committed to the sustainable … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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50 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The risks of forced labour presented by the solar industry, which is a key element...
The risks of forced labour presented by the solar industry, which is a key element of the Government’s intended energy procurement programme, are not being effectively addressed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 255)
Ministry of Justice
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51 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
GBE and other public buyers must ensure that solar procurement decisions are made on the...
GBE and other public buyers must ensure that solar procurement decisions are made on the basis of independent assessments and not rely solely on the SSI to provide assurance of supply chains. (Recommendation, Paragraph 256)
Government Response
The Government welcomes the work of the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) in promoting transparency and accountability within the solar supply chain through the use of assessments driven by independent audits. … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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52 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Solar Roadmap does not provide practical steps to reduce the risks of forced labour...
The Solar Roadmap does not provide practical steps to reduce the risks of forced labour in solar supply chains and increase the diversity of supply to the UK market as suggested by Ministers. (Conclusion, Paragraph 257) The Government should evaluate … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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53 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should urgently address the omissions in the Solar Roadmap in relation to global...
The Government should urgently address the omissions in the Solar Roadmap in relation to global supply chains and develop a viable strategy to address the risks of forced labour in the UK’s solar supply chain. In developing this strategy, government … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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54 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
It is currently too difficult for individual survivors to access the courts in the UK...
It is currently too difficult for individual survivors to access the courts in the UK when they have been subject to forced labour abroad in the supply chains of UK companies. (Conclusion, Paragraph 270)
Ministry of Justice
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55 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
The Government should implement the recommendation of the JCHR’s 2017 report.
The Government should implement the recommendation of the JCHR’s 2017 report. A civil cause of action of failure to prevent forced labour should be created, with the burden placed on the relevant corporation to prove that 82 they had adequate … Read more
Ministry of Justice
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56 Conclusion
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
We support the creation of a Survivor Advisory Council.
We support the creation of a Survivor Advisory Council. Such a body could empower survivors of forced labour to contribute to meaningful legislative change and policy reform. (Conclusion, Paragraph 279)
Ministry of Justice
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57 Recommendation
6th Report - Forced Labour in UK S…
We recommend that the Government works with the IAS Commissioner and takes the necessary steps...
We recommend that the Government works with the IAS Commissioner and takes the necessary steps - including financial - to facilitate the creation of a Survivor Advisory Council. (Recommendation, Paragraph 280) 83
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