US EditionBBC Claims China Threatened UK University Over Uyghur Research
Sheffield Hallam halted Professor Laura Murphy’s research on Uyghur forced labour after two years of intimidation and threats from Chinese state security, citing insurance and staff safety concerns.
- Recently, documents show China pressured Sheffield Hallam University by sending officers from China's National Security Service to question staff and blocking access from Beijing, disrupting recruitment.
- The Helena Kennedy Centre's Forced Labour Lab published four reports tracing supply chains linked to forced labour in the Xinjiang region, while Professor Laura Murphy said UK universities are vulnerable due to underfunding.
- A libel claim by Smart Shirts Ltd led the High Court in London to find the Forced Labour Lab report defamatory, prompting university insurers to rescind coverage and halt publication.
- Sheffield Hallam University closed Professor Laura Murphy's research unit, declined outstanding funds, and laid off her team, prompting Murphy to begin legal action and ask, `What about the duty of care to me and the duty of care to the rest of my research team?`
- The UK government said then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned Beijing against infringing UK academic freedoms, while the Department for Education offered support after concerns arose.
19 Articles
19 Articles
UK university caved to China pressure over Xinjiang forced labour research, professor says
A UK university halted research into forced labour in China following pressure from Beijing, a professor who has spearheaded the work and successfully fought the move said Monday. Sheffield Hallam University. Photo: Sheffield Hallam University, via Facebook. Laura Murphy, recognised globally for her academic work on contemporary slavery, hired human rights lawyers to fight Sheffield Hallam University’s decision to curtail her research and forced…
Assessing the Impact of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act After Three Years
As the third anniversary of the passage of the UFLPA approaches, a look at the act shows an enormous impact on trade, as well as on Americans’ confidence that they are not selling or buying goods linked to atrocities committed against the people of Xinjiang.
Evening Standard
UK university halted forced labour research after China pressure, lawyers claim
Leigh Day Solicitors said documents from Sheffield Hallam University suggested it had banned Professor Laura Murphy from continuing her research.
Finally, national security relented, and the researcher was allowed to continue working at the university in China.
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