Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will have discussions with his Chinese counterparts on ​ensuring that cyanide exports do not contribute to the illicit gold trade.

The illicit gold trade funds conflict, undermines the rule of law, harms the environment, and perpetuates human rights abuses. The UK is taking action: in July 2026, we sanctioned seven entities and four individuals in gold and finance networks fuelling Sudan's conflict.

As the UK is an OECD member, UK businesses apply OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains. The UK regularly engages international partners, including China, on responsible business conduct, supply chain transparency, and international standards.

We encourage all countries to support responsible sourcing, due diligence and risk management across supply chains to curb illicit gold production.