Foreign Secretary accused of going soft on China over Uyghur genocide recognition ahead of first visit to Beijing By Kumail Jaffer Published: 22:31, 17 October 2024 | Updated: 22:33, 17 October 2024 e-mail View comments David Lammy was accused of backtracking on plans to formally recognise China 's treatment of its Uyghur minority as genocide as he prepares for his first visit to Beijing . The Foreign Secretary appears to have dropped his previously bullish stance on China's conduct in the Xinjiang region. In opposition, Mr Lammy suggested Labour would pursue legal routes to declaring China's treatment of its Uyghur minority as genocide.
But last night Downing Street repeatedly refused to repeat Mr Lammy's assertion. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the government would 'challenge' China on issues like human rights, but declined to repeat the Foreign Secretary's pre-election language. David Lammy arrives at 10 Downing Street for a cabinet meeting in London on October 15 Lammy has been accused of backtracking on genocide recognition in China (Xi pictured) Internment camp police security drills at the Tekes County Detention Center, China, from 2018 Officials say Mr Lammy will raise concerns around human rights, British MPs who remain sanctioned, and China's deepening ties with Russia over Ukraine.
But the apparent softening of the government's position towards China's treatment of the Uyghurs sparked fury last night. Read More Low-cost fashion giant Shein is accused.
