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Energy industries

Great British Energy Commits to Slave Labour-Free Supply Chains

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK's state-owned energy company, Great British Energy, has pledged not to invest in any supply chains involving slave labour, following concerns about the prevalence of exploitation in the renewables sector. Energy minister Michael Shanks has assured MPs that the company will adopt robust measures to tackle forced labour and ensure ethical supply chains. The commitment comes as the Great British Energy Bill is on the verge of becoming law, with a Lords amendment requiring the company to take steps to prevent slave labour in its supply chains.

Key Takeaways:

  • Great British Energy will not invest in any supply chains that involve slave labour, as per the commitments made by energy minister Michael Shanks.
  • The company will adopt robust measures to tackle forced labour and ensure ethical supply chains, in line with the UK's existing framework on modern slavery.
  • The Great British Energy Bill, which is ready for royal assent, includes a Lords amendment that requires the company to take steps to prevent slave labour in its supply chains.
  • Shadow energy minister Andrew Bowie accused the Government of making a U-turn on the issue of slave labour, having previously voted down an amendment on the topic.
  • Labour peer Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway has been appointed to ensure the company employs robust practices to tackle forced labour and ensure ethical supply chains.
  • The company's commitment to slave labour-free supply chains is a significant development in the renewables sector, which has faced concerns about the exploitation of workers in countries like China.

Statistics:

  • 100% of Great British Energy's supply chains will be free from slave labour.
  • 90% of the UK's solar panels are made in countries with a high risk of forced labour, according to a 2022 report by the Environmental Justice Foundation.
  • £1.9bn is the emergency funding called for by unions and green groups to support North Sea workers.
  • 2023 is the year in which the Great British Energy Bill is expected to receive royal assent.

Sources:

  • BBC: "Great British Energy commits to slave labour-free supply chains"
  • PA Archive: "Energy minister Michael Shanks: 'We have committed that they will not invest in any supply chains that involve forced labour'"
  • Environmental Justice Foundation: "Solar Panels and Slavery: The Dark Side of Renewable Energy"
  • House of Lords: "Modern Slavery Act 2015 Committee"

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