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Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Thursday, 5 December 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 December 2024. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Thursday, 19 December 2024 on behalf of the Home Office.

Cardiff Airport: China

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government how many cargo flights from Urumqi in China to Cardiff International Airport have been searched by UK border officials to ensure they are not carrying goods made by Uyghur forced labour.

Answer

Border Force does not routinely assess whether goods on freight entering the UK may have been made using forced labour, but we work closely with law enforcement partners to share intelligence to ensure all goods abide by customs and excise rules.

The Government encourages businesses to monitor their global supply chains with rigour, uncover and remedy any instances of modern slavery they may find. Under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial businesses who operate in the UK and have a turnover of £36 million or more must report annually on the steps they have taken to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains by publishing an annual modern slavery statement.

The Home Office is currently working with a wide group of stakeholders to update the Section 54 statutory guidance. This will further support businesses to produce high quality statements, which are underpinned by effective measures to prevent and effectively respond to instances of modern slavery in supply chains.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3218
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Aviation China Freight Cardiff Airport Uyghurs
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk