Labour MPs face criticism for allegedly allowing the removal of legal protections against forced labor in the solar panel supply chain, particularly concerning products made in China, where concerns about the exploitation of Uyghur people are prominent. An amendment introduced by cross-bench peer David Alton aimed to ensure state-owned Great British Energy would not purchase solar panels linked to modern slavery. However, Labour is set to strip the amendment, drawing criticism from both Labour and Conservative critics, including former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, who accused the government of turning a blind eye to slavery and compromising its anti-slavery stance. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook assured that the government is taking steps to address forced labor, citing the need for comprehensive efforts across the energy sector.
The government’s strategy emphasizes a broader approach rather than company-specific bans, with officials claiming concerted actions demonstrate a commitment to combating human rights abuses in supply chains. This perspective reflects No 10’s stance that a systematic, government-wide initiative is more effective than localized measures. Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, supports this strategy and has announced a £200 million fund to expand solar panel availability for schools and hospitals despite acknowledging the current unviability of domestic solar panel manufacturing for large-scale projects. Critics argue that this approach may undermine ethical standards for labor practices, leaving the Labour government at a crossroads over its anti-slavery policies.