The chairwoman of the International Development Select Committee has sharply criticised UK supermarkets for their role in perpetuating forced labour practices within supply chains, particularly those linked to the Uighur minority in China. Speaking in Parliament, she described the UK’s product labelling as “weak and confusing” and called for stronger legislation to prevent the import of goods made with forced labour.
Champion stressed that UK supply chains are “awash with Uighur forced labour products,” highlighting the lack of human rights due diligence, which she said remains “optional” for British companies.
In a direct challenge to supermarkets, she urged the British public to hold companies accountable. “To supermarkets, I say, all of you are complicit in putting profits above human rights,” she said, adding that consumers have the power to make a difference by voting with their wallets.
