Shein dodges questions on alleged forced labour in cotton supply chain
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MPs were left "horrified" after a Shein lawyer, Yinan Zhu, avoided questions about the risk of forced labour in their cotton supply chain during an appearance before the Business and Trade Committee on Tuesday. Amid reports that the fast-fashion giant might launch a £50bn stock market debut in the UK, allegations have been made about Shein's clothes possibly containing Xinjiang-sourced cotto.
This is a region where China has been accused of subjecting members of the Uyghur minority group to forced labour and genocide. Frustration mounted among MPs as Ms Zhu continuously sidestepped queries regarding Shein’s cotton sources and a potential listing on the London Stock Exchange. Liam Byrne, chair of the committee, said: "For a company that sells a billion pounds to UK consumers and which is seeking to float on the London Stock Exchange, the committee has been pretty horrified by the lack of evidence you have provided.
"You have given us almost zero confidence in the integrity of your supply chains, you can’t even tell us what your products are made from, you can’t tell us much about the conditions which workers have to work in. "The reluctance to answer basic questions has frankly bordered on contempt of the committee.".
His remarks came after a Q&A where he probed Ms Zhu about whether Shein's cotton comes from China or even specifically from Xinjiang. Ms Zhu said: "For detailed operational information and other aspects, I am not able to assist. I will have to write back to the committee afterwards.
