Fifth Report - Uyghur forced labour in Xinjiang and UK value chains

The government defends the pioneering nature of the Modern Slavery Act but acknowledges the need for improvement, stating it committed to strengthening the legislation in September 2020. It reiterates its expectation for businesses to be vigilant and conduct due diligence.

The government notes this conclusion and details actions taken or planned to address corporate governance and audit regulations, including working with the Home Office on Modern Slavery Act enforcement, publishing a White Paper consultation on audit, and planning to legislate on corporate transparency.

The government states that it has already imposed asset freezes and travel bans against those responsible for human rights violations in Xinjiang on March 22, and announced a review into export controls on January 12.

The government agrees transparency is important for ODA funding in China and states its commitment to improving data management. It highlights existing measures, including a 'Good' transparency score, new data systems, and a recent ICAI audit finding its approach robust, which it argues ensures effective oversight.

The government agrees on the importance of transparency for ODA funding in China and states it is committed to improving data management. It highlights existing robust measures, including anti-slavery provisions in allocation letters and a recent ICAI audit finding its approach robust, which address the recommendation.

The government agreed on the need for greater transparency and is introducing a new digital data submission tool for Newton Fund partner organisations to report detailed expenditure, individual grants, and awards, which will help address the request for a list of organisations and sums of money.