British MPs voted to declare that China is committing genocide against the Uyghur people in Xinjiang province.
The House of Commons has declared for the first time that genocide is taking place against Uyghurs and others in north-west China. The motion passed on Thursday does not compel the government to act but is likely to mark a further decline in relations with China. In response, Beijing’s embassy in the UK accused the MPs of having “cooked up” the motion “with a view to discrediting and attacking China”.
"All five criteria of genocide are evidenced as taking place in Xinjiang".
Speaking in the debate, Nus Ghani - another MP to be targeted by China - said genocide meant intent to "destroy in whole or in part" a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.
"All five criteria of genocide are evidenced as taking place in Xinjiang," she said.
Despite government opposition, the motion passed
Despite government opposition, the motion passed because ministers did not vote against it.
Foreign Office Minister Nigel Adams insisted the UK was "ramping up pressure" on Beijing through the United Nations.