Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department takes to (a) help ensure that imported (i) solar panels and (ii) related components are not produced using forced labour and (b) enforce that standard.

The Government is committed to tackling forced labour in solar supply chains. The UK’s approach is focused on transparency. Over the last two years we have introduced enhanced export controls, new guidance on the risks of doing business in Xinjiang and announced the introduction of financial penalties under the Modern Slavery Act.

The Government also supports voluntary due diligence approaches by UK businesses.

The UK’s main solar trade association is leading industry’s response by developing and piloting the Solar Stewardship Initiative to further develop a responsible, transparent, and sustainable solar value chain. We will continue to keep our policy response under review.