UK Government Removes Modern Slavery Ban From Energy Bill

Labour MPs vote to strip Lords amendment banning public funds for solar materials linked to forced labour, as government pledges cross-sector measures to address supply chain ethics.

The House of Commons voted 314 to 198 on March 25 to remove a Lords amendment prohibiting public funds for materials with credible evidence of modern slavery in their supply chains.
Labour MPs, under a government whip, largely abstained or voted to reject the amendment, sparking criticism from peers and opposition MPs over ethical compromises in the green energy transition.
The UK government announced plans to strengthen efforts against forced labour, including appointing a senior figure in Great British Energy to oversee ethical supply chains.
Critics argue that existing laws, such as the Procurement Act, are insufficient to address forced labour concerns, particularly in supply chains tied to China's Xinjiang region.
The government reaffirmed its £200 million investment in solar panels for schools and hospitals, stating that materials for public projects would not involve forced labour.