China: Human Rights and Sanctions

Scott Arthur Excerpts
Monday 28th October 2024

(3 days, 14 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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The hon. Gentleman is right: we must have a consistent, sustained position on China. That is why we are undertaking a China audit, and I will of course update the House when it is complete.

Scott Arthur Portrait Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West) (Lab)
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I thank the Foreign Secretary for his update, his constructive tone and his defence of human rights in the region. Is the audit Government-wide, and will it only consider the situation now or look into future scenarios as well?

David Lammy Portrait Mr Lammy
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It was important, when we came into government, given the bouncing around that we saw in the last Government’s policy towards China, that we did a complete audit, right across Whitehall, of our interests and the opportunities, as well as of the challenges and security concerns, so that we could maintain a consistent position. Before that audit is complete, we are being guided, as I have said, by the three Cs: there are areas in which we co-operate, areas in which we compete, and there must be areas, as has come up this afternoon, in which we challenge.