Policy

UK to ban 'forced labour' solar and wind kit for GB Energy amid China supply chain fears

There have been long-running allegations that polysilicon used in solar panels is produced using Uyghur Muslim forced labour in China’s Xinjiang region

UK energy secretary Ed Miliband speaking in Parliament.
UK energy secretary Ed Miliband speaking in Parliament.Photo: UK Parliament
Journalist

The UK government will reportedly move to ban its new national clean power developer GB Energy from using solar, wind and battery technology with links to forced labour, which China is alleged to employ in its Xinjiang region.

Energy minister Ed Miliband will introduce an amendment to legislation currently being debated to formally create GB Energy that will ensure “slavery and human trafficking” is not employed in its supply chain, The Times reported.

This will reportedly require that all solar panels, wind turbines and batteries must not contain materials suspected to have been made through forced labour.

There is particular concern over polysilicon – a key component for solar panels – produced in China's northern Xinjiang region, where there have been long-running allegations of human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. The UK, like most other countries, is highly dependent on China for solar panels.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concluded in a 2022 report that “serious human rights violations” had been committed against Uyghur and other predominantly Muslim communities in the region that could constitute crimes against humanity.

Allegations that Chinese wind turbine manufacturers are involved in forced labour supply chains have been far rarer – but not non-existent.

The move constitutes a U-turn for the Labour government, which had previously sought to block such an amendment being added to the legislation. A government source told The Times that there had been “recognition of the strength of feeling” after 92 Members of Parliament abstained on a previous vote.
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told Recharge that “no industry in the UK should rely on forced labour, and through Great British Energy we have a clear plan to build the supply chains needed to support a new era of clean homegrown power, bringing jobs and investment.

“We are working across government to tackle the issue of forced labour in solar supply chains, and the relaunched Solar Taskforce is focusing on developing supply chains that are resilient, sustainable and free from forced labour.

“Having listened carefully to the views of MPs and Peers, we are considering how we can go further to help ensure Great British Energy is a sector leader in this area.”

The Biden Administration in the US previously banned imports of solar products from three companies in China’s Xinjiang region due to alleged forced labour.

China has said previously that allegations of forced labour in the region are false and part of an anti-China smear campaign.

Approached recently by Recharge, a spokesperson for the China Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (CCCEU) said that the chamber “acknowledges the importance of addressing these issues responsibly.”

“The CCCEU supports constructive dialogue and ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, uphold labour rights, and ensure that manufacturing processes are aligned with internationally recognised standards.”

“The Chinese government has consistently reiterated its commitment to protecting workers’ rights”, it said, adding that Chinese law mandates fair working conditions, workplace safety, and equal employment rights.

German chemicals giant BASF this week said it was exiting two joint ventures in Xinjiang, with that move coming after its local partner allegedly participated in human rights abuses.

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Published 23 April 2025, 11:43Updated 23 April 2025, 11:43
GB EnergyEd MilibandUKEuropeChina