New polling reveals that the British public would prefer to see the UK's Net Zero goals pushed back rather than purchase green technology manufactured using forced or child labour. The findings present a significant ethical challenge to the government's ambitious decarbonisation plans.
Public Demands Ethical Sourcing for Green Transition
The research, commissioned by the UK’s independent anti-slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons, shows that nearly eight in ten people (78%) would support a delay in reaching Net Zero targets if the alternative meant sourcing solar panels or wind turbines from countries with forced labour practices. Furthermore, an overwhelming 83% majority believes the Government must guarantee that all products and materials for net zero projects are ethically sourced.
Eleanor Lyons stated unequivocally: ‘Britain must stop being the world’s dumping ground for goods made with forced labour. It’s time to draw a hard line and shut our doors to these products.’ She added that the public is clear that ‘the race to net zero cannot come at the expense of victims of slavery.’
Labour's Green Spending Plans Under Scrutiny
The polling comes as Energy Secretary Ed Miliband prepares to unveil proposals next month to allocate up to £13 billion over four years for the Government’s warm homes plan. This policy shift will involve substantial household grants for installing solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage.
A key part of the plan includes lifting restrictions on ‘plug-in’ solar panels for balconies and patios, which could even be sold in supermarket aisles. However, campaigners warn that it is currently impossible to source green technology with no slave labour in its supply chain, with much manufacturing and materials originating from China.
Concerns are particularly acute regarding allegations of forced labour in China's Uyghur communities. Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China argued: ‘People do not want a slave-made green transition, but we have legislated ourselves into one through net zero targets which cannot be achieved without Beijing’s tainted supply chains.’
Political Reactions and Security Concerns
The issue has sparked sharp political debate. Conservative energy spokesman Claire Coutinho criticised Miliband's strategy as a ‘mad dash to Net Zero’ that would make the UK ‘much more dependent on imports of Chinese equipment.’ She highlighted security risks, noting that the former Head of MI6 had labelled Labour’s plans ‘completely crazy’ for national security.
Earlier this year, Miliband bowed to pressure to ensure no forced labour was used in the supply chains of the state-owned GB Energy. A Government spokesman reiterated that no UK company should have forced labour in its supply chains and that businesses are expected to eradicate it.
The poll, conducted by Strand Partners between November 25-27, 2025, surveyed 3,006 adults across the UK. It underscores a growing public insistence that the path to a greener future must also be a morally just one.
