B

Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent) (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 24 April 2025

Debate

Government Supply Chains: Cotton

Contribution

My Lords, before I answer the substantive Question, I want to be clear that abhorrent human rights abuses—including modern slavery and human trafficking—have no place in public supply chains. They affect not only our values and moral standing as a nation but the integrity of our procurement routes. The Cabinet Office does not centrally hold any specific data on the country of origin of cotton-containing products within government supply chains. As has been referenced, there is extensive guidance for commercial teams to assess the risks and impacts associated with modern slavery. The Government are committed to continuing strong action in this area. The updated national procurement policy statement was published in February 2025. The NPPS sets out the Government’s strategic public procurement priorities. As part of these priorities, contracting authorities should have regard to ensuring their suppliers are actively working to tackle modern slavery and human rights violations.

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