The Foreign Secretary, the Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP, has delivered a statement in Parliament announcing new sanctions against Chinese Government officials. This is part of a global response to the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.

High Peak MP Robert Largan has been pushing the Government to take an assertive approach towards China’s human rights record. 

Following the statement, the High Peak MP asked:

“Last year, along with many other Members, I signed a joint letter organised by my hon. Friend Ms Ghani condemning China and calling for sanctions and an independent investigation, so I welcome the sanctions announced today. The Chinese Government continue to issue denials. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that for Beijing’s denials to have even a shred of credibility, China must give the UN Commissioner for Human Rights full access to Xinjiang immediately?”

The Foreign Secretary thanked Robert for his support of the UK’s policy:

“I thank my hon. Friend, and I certainly agree with that statement. Indeed, the UK, alongside the United States and Canada, has reiterated the calls in a common statement today to precisely that effect.”

The new sanctions come shortly after the publication of the Integrated Review: the most comprehensive articulation of a foreign policy and national security from a British Government in decades. It sets out a vision for a stronger, more secure, and more prosperous UK.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“I am pleased that the UK has announced sanctions against the Chinese Government, as a result of the appalling human rights abuses and persecution of the Uyghur minority community in Xinjiang.

“I've been calling for sanctions for over six months, so I'm glad that the Government has taken action, acting in concert with 30 other countries. We must not look the other way. The UK has a moral obligation to act decisively when it comes to genocide.”