Government Supply Chains: Cotton
Debate between Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent and Lord Randall of Uxbridge
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
I thank my noble friend for his question. I know he is very aware that I am a former trade union officer and therefore would definitely seek to ensure that UK employment law is enforced for all people working in the United Kingdom. That is also why I am grateful that the Employment Rights Bill is currently before your Lordships’ House, as it will tighten up any areas where there are issues.
Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Con)
My Lords, I declare my interest as the chairman of the Human Trafficking Foundation, which deals with modern slavery. I think the Minister will have heard a real appetite in this House with regard to this matter. It is 10 years since we passed the Modern Slavery Act, and I urge her to think about fresh legislation to deal with supply chains. It is not just China, cotton and solar panels but all over. I think there is a real appetite in this Chamber and the other to bring forward legislation.
Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)
The noble Lord tempts me but I am definitely not brave enough, with my Chief Whip sitting on the Front Bench, to suggest giving over government time for anything, never mind extra legislation. However, we need to be aware that the Procurement Act came into force only in February this year, so the Government will continue to explore looking to see how it works and what happens, and will then review what we additionally need.