Sarah Champion MP celebrates historic win on preventing modern slavery
Today, Sarah Champion secured key commitments from the Government to stop slavery in renewable energy supply chains.
Commenting, Sarah Champion said:
“GB energy is our chance to show that going green can be done ethically. Following months of campaigning, I’m relieved the Government has finally acted to prevent slavery in renewable energy production.”
“This is historic: 10 years since passing the Modern Slavery Act, and for the first time, the Government will work across departments to ensure consequences for those who exploit slave labour.”
Today in Parliament, Sarah demanded that the Government put a clear plan in place to prevent public money being spent on slave-made renewables in GB Energy.
In response, the Government agreed to all of her proposals, including; a cross-ministerial working group to scrutinise state-imposed forced labour in supply chains; barring rogue companies from winning public contracts; appointing an accountable leader within GBE.
This follows Sarah’s long-term work to raise awareness of the human rights abuses endemic in the lower tiers of renewable supply chains. Last year she tabled a Report Stage amendment which sought to make human rights central to the GBE Bill. [1] Since then, she has been working in partnership with the Government, to identify further opportunities to prevent slavery in GBE – resulting in today’s commitments. [2]
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Hansard October 10 2024 | Sarah Champion report stage speech Hansard / Youtube