I sent this message of support to the regular monthly protest for Uyghur human rights, held along with the Uyghur community in London opposite the Chinese Embassy in London.

“I am sorry I can’t be with you today in person, but I am with you in solidarity with the Uyghur people’s fight against oppression and persecution.

In Parliament I have repeatedly spoken out about human rights abuses, raised Parliamentary Questions and urged the Government to pursue the appalling reports of people being detained in re-education camps at the highest level of the Chinese Government.  I’ve called on the UK Government to review all contracts from UK companies where equipment is being sold to the Chinese Government for use in surveillance.

Last year I had the privilege of hosting a Parliamentary roundtable where we heard the testimony of Rahima Mahumut, an Uyghur singer and human rights activist, who spoke so movingly of the violations suffered by the Uyghur community, the terrible fears of mass detention and ill treatment, and the desperate struggles of the exiled Uyghur community to contact family members.

We will not let the voice of the Uyghur people be silenced and Labour will always stand with you in defence of human rights.”