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<p>HM Government is committed to preventing modern slavery occurring in public sector
supply chains. The Cabinet Office has published commercial policy and guidance setting
out the steps that all Government departments must take to identify and mitigate modern
slavery and labour abuse risks throughout the commercial life cycle - focusing on
the areas of highest risk. This policy is mandatory for all Central Government Departments,
their Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The
Government has taken a number of measures to help ensure that no British organisations
are profiting from or contributing to human rights violations against the Uyghurs
or other minorities. We have introduced guidance for UK businesses on the risks of
conducting business in Xinjiang, implemented enhanced export controls, and committed
to introducing new procurement guidance for Government bodies as well as financial
penalties for non-compliance with section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>The Procurement Bill, which is being considered by Parliament, strengthens
the rules around excluding suppliers due to serious misconduct anywhere in their operations,
including the supply chain. This includes explicit provision for suppliers to be prevented
from bidding for contracts where there is evidence of their involvement in modern
slavery.</p><p> </p>
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