NEWS STORY : Iain Duncan Smith Opposes Visit of Governor of Xinjiang to the UK
STORY
Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a Conservative politician and former leader of the party, is part of a cross-party group of MPs who are putting pressure on the UK government to cancel the planned visit of the governor of Xinjiang, Erkin Tuniyaz. The governor has been accused of human rights violations in the region and his visit has been opposed by a number of campaign groups.
In a letter addressed to the Attorney General, Sir Iain has requested the governor’s arrest if he visits the UK, arguing that the visit would risk becoming a propaganda win for the Chinese government. The UK government has defended their stance on holding talks with the governor, despite the allegations of rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. The visit is expected to occur next week despite numerous MPs speaking against this in the House of Commons.
Speaking for the Government, the Minister Leo Docherty said in the Commons:
“China’s actions in Xinjiang are abhorrent and we will not legitimise them in any way. However, robust engagement to challenge human rights violations and to stand up for the rights of the oppressed is at the core of the UK’s diplomatic work around the world. We must be prepared to use diplomatic channels to achieve that end, hence officials would be prepared to offer him a meeting”.
Duncan Smith replied:
“I find that response from my hon. Friend, for whom I have the highest respect, to be a very weak turn from the Foreign Office. The Uyghur region in north-west China has been the site of severe human rights violations, crimes against humanity and genocide for more than six years. In 2017, satellite imagery confirmed that a network of internment camps had been set up throughout the region. Throughout this time, Erkin Tuniyaz has been responsible for the murderous and repressive policy, alongside its architect, Chen Quango”.
RESOURCES
Iain Duncan Smith’s Speech in the House of Commons
Minister Leo Docherty’s Speech in the House of Commons
Brendan O’Hara’s Speech in the House of Commons
Catherine West’s Speech in the House of Commons
Alicia Kearn’s Speech in the House of Commons
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