David Lammy Faces Criticism for Apparent Shift on China's Human Rights Violations

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David Lammy, the UK's Foreign Secretary, is under scrutiny for what many see as a broken promise to officially accuse China of genocide in Xinjiang. Last year, Lammy had committed to declaring the actions of Xi Jinping’s regime against the Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang as genocide. This commitment followed Labour’s earlier support in the Commons in 2021 for such a declaration. However, recent developments suggest a shift in the government's stance, leading to widespread criticism.

 

The situation in Xinjiang, where approximately one million Uighur Muslims have been forced into internment camps, has been widely condemned. Reports from the region describe severe abuses and political indoctrination, which many international observers and human rights organizations have labeled as crimes against humanity. The international community has been pressing for stronger action, and Lammy's initial promise was seen as a significant step in holding China accountable.

 

 

When asked by The Telegraph whether the UK would officially accuse China of genocide, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) refrained from using the term "genocide" and instead referred to the "repression" of Uighurs. An FCDO spokesman stated, "We are playing a leading role in pressing China to improve its human rights record and cease the repression of the Uighur people in Xinjiang. This includes raising our concerns at the highest levels of the Chinese government and coordinating efforts in international fora to hold China to account for human rights violations."

 

This statement has fueled concerns that the UK government is stepping back from its previous commitments. The reluctance to use the term "genocide" is seen by critics as a significant shift in policy. This controversy comes on the heels of Labour's decision not to declare China a "threat," a promise that had been made in the Conservative manifesto by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. A week after his election, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had pledged to be "robust" with China and challenge it on human rights and security issues. However, recent actions by his government have raised doubts about the fulfillment of these promises.

 

Adding to the criticism is the recent delay by Starmer's government in implementing a new law to monitor lobbyists from Russia and China. This delay has sparked fears that the scheme could be diluted or even scrapped, further weakening the UK's stance on foreign influence and human rights abuses.

 

The backlash against Lammy and the Labour government has been swift and severe. A report published by global experts in 2021 accused the Chinese government of violating every provision of the United Nations genocide convention in its actions in Xinjiang. Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, expressed his concern, stating, "This is madness, and it is another backslide. This is very dangerous. They knew what the risks from China were when they were in opposition, and they made sure that the Conservative government, which hadn’t been brilliant on it, got the message. But now they are in government, they are in the hands of the Foreign Office. Those of us who are sanctioned by the Chinese government are now very worried that Labour is now starting to backslide on its previous commitments."

 

Alicia Kearns, a shadow foreign minister and Tory MP, also voiced her disapproval, accusing Lammy of reneging on pre-election commitments. "David Lammy promised a Labour Government would formally recognize the atrocities faced by the Uyghurs as genocide, pursue justice for their plight through international courts, and fundamentally reassess the UK’s relationship with China within 100 days of taking office," Kearns said. "Instead, within 100 days, Labour has reneged on these promises. We were promised a tougher stance on China by Labour – now, even Conservative measures introduced with cross-party support are being dropped. Protecting ourselves from CCP influence is a generational challenge, not just one of many pre-election pledges to be reneged on once in office."

 

China, for its part, has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, claiming that its policies are necessary to combat religious extremism and terrorism. Despite these denials, the international community has remained largely unconvinced, with many calling for stronger actions to hold China accountable for its treatment of the Uighur population.

 

As the controversy unfolds, Lammy and the Labour government face increasing pressure to clarify their position on China and to follow through on their promises. The debate over whether to label China's actions as genocide is not just a matter of semantics but a critical issue that could define the UK's foreign policy approach in the years to come. With criticism mounting from both political opponents and human rights advocates, the government’s handling of this issue will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph  2024-08-22

 

 

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[shackleton]

God help the British foreign office with lammey in charge

I will leave  it at that a other buffoon in a position of authority 

Not knowing anything 🤔

[Thingamabob]

8 minutes ago, shackleton said:

God help the British foreign office with lammey in charge

I will leave  it at that a other buffoon in a position of authority 

Not knowing anything 🤔

God help the British FO, and God help all Brits. What a shower.

[siftasam]

Lammay was the Prizegiving Guest at a school where I taught. I was the only one who opposed it.

 

Nothing new. I'd already seen Prizegiving Guests like Lord Boothby and Earl Mountbatten.

 

Luminaries all, of course.

[BlueScouse]

Lammy offers support for Ukraine.

 

In a letter to government colleagues, Mr Lammy urged troops and members of the emergency services to record themselves showing support for Ukraine.

Soldiers were told to 'make some noise like playing an instrument, singing, chanting, clapping, stomping your feet or honking your car horn'. 

 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13771003/David-Lammy-mocked-support-Ukraine.html