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<p>Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 made the UK the first country to require
large businesses to report annually on steps taken to prevent modern slavery, including
forced labour, in their operations and supply chains. BT are subject to, and comply
with, those requirements.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p>The Act does not require
organisations to certify that their supply chains are slavery free but asks businesses
to be transparent about their assessment of modern slavery risks and measures taken
to mitigate these. To improve reporting quality, we are developing a government-run
registry of modern slavery statements to make it easier for consumers, investors and
civil society to hold businesses to account. We have also consulted on proposals to
strengthen the Modern Slavery Act and increase transparency and improve compliance.</p><p><strong>
</strong></p><p>We have been clear that China’s approach in Xinjiang is wrong and
must stop. We regularly raise our concerns directly with our Chinese counterparts
and are playing a leading role to increase international attention to the situation,
including leading a Joint Statement at the UN Human Rights Council in June supported
by 27 other countries, highlighting arbitrary detention, widespread surveillance and
restrictions, particularly those targeting Uyghurs and other minorities, and urged
China to allow the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights meaningful access to the
region.</p><p> </p>
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