New direct flights from East Turkestan to UK spark fears of forced labour in supply chains
UK Government Urged to Investigate Cargo Flights from East Turkestan
The UK government is being called upon to investigate new cargo flights from East Turkestan due to concerns about potential forced labour. Since summer 2024, three new air routes have connected East Turkestan to major UK airports, raising alarms about forced labour in supply chains. East Turkestan, home to the Uyghur ethnic group, is under international scrutiny for human rights abuses.
Concerns Raised by David Alton
David Alton, head of the British parliament's cross-party human rights committee, has expressed concerns in a letter to Home Office Minister David Hanson, urging an inquiry. Alton fears these routes may be importing goods produced with forced labour into the UK.
Airlines and E-commerce
The new routes coincide with the rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms in the UK. Titan Airways operates flights from East Turkestan to London, while European Cargo flies to Cardiff and Bournemouth. Both airlines claim compliance with the UK's Modern Slavery Act, which mandates the prevention and reporting of forced labour in supply chains.
Calls for Government Scrutiny
Despite these assurances, the rapid expansion of these flights has led to calls for increased government scrutiny. Uyghur forced labour involves the exploitation of the Uyghur ethnic group in East Turkestan, where they face hazardous working conditions as part of broader human rights abuses.
Doubts Revealed
UK Government
The UK Government is the group of people who make decisions and laws for the United Kingdom, which is a country in Europe.
East Turkestan
East Turkestan is a region in China, also known as Xinjiang, where many Uyghur people live. There have been reports of human rights issues there.
Forced Labour
Forced labour means making people work against their will, often in bad conditions and without fair pay. It's a serious human rights issue.
David Alton
David Alton is a member of the British parliament who is concerned about human rights. He wants to make sure people are treated fairly and with respect.
Modern Slavery Act
The Modern Slavery Act is a law in the UK that aims to stop slavery and forced labour. It requires businesses to ensure their supply chains are free from these practices.
Uyghur people
The Uyghur people are a group of people who mostly live in East Turkestan. They have their own culture and language, and there are concerns about their treatment in China.
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