- UK proposes law to stop Great British Energy from buying solar components linked to forced labour.
- The amendment targets Chinese-made polysilicon, mainly sourced from Xinjiang.
- The government says climate goals remain on track despite the new restrictions.
The UK government introduced a new amendment to block public funds from supporting forced labour in energy supply chains. The move directly targets Chinese solar panel imports.
Energy Minister Ed Miliband announced the proposal on Wednesday, April 23. The amendment bars Great British Energy, the UK’s new public energy company, from buying solar components linked to forced labour.
The legislation aims to stop modern slavery in energy supply chains. It focuses on polysilicon, a key material in solar panels. Chinese companies produce most of the world’s polysilicon, especially in Xinjiang.
Human rights groups accuse China of detaining over one million Uyghurs in Xinjiang. They say Chinese authorities force many of them to work in factories. These factories supply materials used in solar technology. China denies the claims and calls the facilities “vocational training centres.”
Polysilicon from Xinjiang has sparked international concern. The U.S. and several European countries have already restricted their use. Now, the UK is joining those efforts with this proposed law.
The director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), Luke de Pulford, praised the move. “The campaign has been long and difficult,” he said. “But the government gave hope to the Uyghurs today.”
He urged world leaders to uphold human rights during the clean energy transition. “The ecological shift must not rely on exploitation,” he added.
The amendment could challenge solar panel suppliers. Many manufacturers still depend on Chinese components, and experts warn of possible disruptions in supply and rising costs.
Despite the risks, the UK government reaffirmed its climate goals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said the amendment would not threaten plans to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2030. “We stay committed to our clean energy transition,” the spokesperson said.
Parliament must still approve the amendment. If they pass it, the new law will apply only to Great British Energy, but analysts believe the measure could influence other companies and industries.
Human rights advocates have long pushed for action on Xinjiang’s labour practices. This move represents one of the UK’s strongest responses so far.
The amendment also shows growing pressure on governments to match climate action with ethical supply chains. The UK’s decision adds to global momentum for clean energy free of forced labour.
Other countries might follow the UK’s example if Parliament adopts the law. The bill could also encourage companies to review their sourcing and shift away from suspect suppliers.
Lawmakers now decide the amendment’s future. Their decision could reshape how the UK balances its environmental goals with human rights.