The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) is calling for the UK to introduce import bans on goods linked to forced labour and to enforce human rights due diligence for domestic firms, criticizing the current Modern Slavery Act 2015 for its lack of enforceability and loopholes.

The UK is falling behind the EU and US in implementing bans on products associated with forced labour, raising concerns about the influx of such goods into British markets.

Concerns are mounting over the role of Xinjiang as a major supplier of polysilicon and metallurgical silicon, which are key materials for solar panels, with about 35% and 32% of global production respectively, linked to forced labour allegations.

The UK government, under Sir Keir Starmer, is trying to balance economic ties with China against pressing issues of national security and human rights, despite China's denials of forced labour allegations involving Uyghurs.

Tracing the true origins of products remains complex, as many companies obscure their supply chains by falsely claiming goods are sourced from other countries like Germany, when they are actually linked to China.

Some UK politicians, including Sir Iain Duncan Smith, argue that the demand for cheaper products leads to negligence regarding ethical sourcing, emphasizing the need for stronger leadership to combat human rights abuses.

Experts remain skeptical about the UK's ability to effectively enforce due diligence measures due to the complexity of supply chains and lack of transparency from companies.

An inquiry has uncovered disturbing evidence of human rights abuses across industries involved in UK trade, prompting calls for the government to take stronger action.

Concerns are heightened over the UK’s free trade deal with India, where over 11 million people are believed to be living in modern slavery, highlighting the need for human rights provisions in trade agreements.

Lord David Alton, chair of the JCHR, stresses the importance of strong government leadership to prevent profiting from forced labour and to address human rights abuses in UK trade.

Investigations have revealed that products like tomatoes and solar panels, potentially linked to forced labour in Xinjiang, are being sold in UK supermarkets, despite contestations from retailers.

The UK recently amended the Great British Energy Bill to ban forced labour in supply chains, but critics argue that the legislation lacks sufficient due diligence requirements and penalties to be truly effective.