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MPs on the Business and Trade Committee were left “horrified” after a representative for Shein could not answer questions over where the business sources its cotton from.
Shein’s general counsel for Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) Yinan Zhu was asked several times whether the company uses cotton supplied from China to which she responded that she would have to write to the committee with an answer.
Zhu said: “For detailed operational information and other aspects, I am not able to assist. I will have to write back to the committee afterwards. Obviously, we comply with laws and regulations everywhere we do business in the role. And we have supplier code of conducts, we have robust systems and procedures in place and policies in place.
“When asked if the company believed forced labour took place in Xinjiang, Zhu said to MPs “agenda of the committee, as I understand it, we’re looking at upholding standards, I’m only able to answer the questions that are relating to our business.”
Xinjiang is a region where China has been accused of subjecting members of the Uyghur ethnic group to forced labour.
Chairman of the committee Liam Byrne MP branded the retailer as “disrespectful” following the appearance.
He said: “For a company that sells £1bn [worth of products] to UK consumers and is seeking to float on the London Stock Exchange, the committee has been pretty horrified by the lack of evidence you have provided today.”
This appearance could be a major blow to the fast-fashion retailer’s hopes of listing on the London Stock Exchange.
The potential £50bn listing has been waiting for approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Retail Sector has contacted Shein for comment.
