MPs criticize Shein executive for refusing to say if its clothes are linked to slave labor

MPs have accused a Shein executive of being “disrespectful” and “ridiculous” after she refused to say whether her cheap clothes are linked to slave labour.

The fast fashion giant’s top British lawyer was unable to confirm yesterday whether there is cotton from China, or specifically from the Xinjiang region, in the items it sells.

The hearing in Parliament came after Shein’s planned £50bn London listing was delayed as activists complained about allegations of abuse in its supply chain.

Human rights groups have accused China of carrying out slave labor in Xingang, where they say Uyghurs (a largely Muslim ethnic group) are forced to produce cotton. Beijing has denied the allegations.

Shein’s UK general counsel yesterday refused to comment on whether the company believes slavery exists in the region, prompting an outburst of anger from MPs on the Business Select Committee.

“I don’t think he’s respecting the committee at all,” said Rep. Charlie Maynard.

“We have asked him very simple questions and he is not giving us clear answers.”

In heated exchanges, Yinan Zhu, senior lawyer at the fast fashion retailer, said: “I can only comment on matters related to our business.”

When asked several times about its supply chain, Zhu admitted that the online retailer uses manufacturers in China, Brazil and Türkiye.