THE SNP has criticised the Tory Government over plans to water down an amendment to the Trade Bill that would outlaw deals with countries found guilty of committing genocide, following a blistering letter from a leading Uyghur organisation.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the president of the World Uyghur Congress, Dolkun Isa, said he was “shocked and appalled” at alternative proposals put forward by the Tories.
Last month, the UK Government narrowly survived a vote on the genocide amendment.
If it had passed, it would have given judges the power to rule on whether a country has committed genocide before the UK enters into a trade deal.
Ahead of the Trade Bill returning to Parliament today, the Tory Government is intending to table an alternative, watered down proposal – in an attempt to stave off another rebellion – which proposes to hand new powers to select committees instead of judges.
READ MORE: Tory Facebook account deleted after 'disgusting' post about SNP and Uighur Muslims
The president of the World Uyghur Congress said in the letter: “Uyghur survivors have begged for recognition of what is happening to them. We know that it is long-standing policy for the UK to refuse to use the word ‘genocide’ without a court decision, and that this policy is not going to change. So, the actions of your government in [proposing] this amendment are tantamount to spitting into the faces of ... survivors.”
Commenting, the SNP’s shadow international trade spokesperson Drew Hendry MP said: “The Tory Government’s relentless efforts to reject an amendment that would outlaw trade deals with countries found guilty of committing genocide marks yet another stain on its record.
“Rather than putting forward alternative, watered down proposals – which would take powers away from judges – the Prime Minister must ditch his immoral stance and instead back the amendment already on the table.
“SNP MPs backed the measures last month and we will support these efforts again.
“It is now vital that Douglas Ross and Scottish Tory MPs also grasp this second chance and also support these cross-party efforts, rather than simply falling into line and backing Boris Johnson.
“It’s clear beyond any doubt that only by becoming an independent country will we be able to properly protect Scotland’s interests and escape Boris Johnson’s toxic Brexit Britain and race to the bottom.”
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