Responding to the addition of four Chinese officials and the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau to the Global Human Rights sanctions regime, Liberal Democrats Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP said: “These Magnitsky sanctions are welcome and better late than never – the Liberal Democrats have been calling for them in response to the mass atrocities in Xinjiang for some time.
“The Government’s dither and delay has only ended thanks to the US’ leadership and fear of rebellion in the Commons. They are failing to lead on the world stage. We need consistent and firm action whenever and wherever human rights are being violated. That must include Hong Kong, where the UK has a legal obligation to act.
“Dominic Raab is still refusing to call what is happening to the Uyghurs a genocide. These sanctions as far as they go are welcome, but there is more to do. The Liberal Democrats are clear that human rights must always come first – that’s why the Genocide Amendment to the Trade Bill is so vital.”