Counter-terror police investigate claim UK university halted research after Chinese pressure

Counter-terrorism police are investigating claims that Sheffield Hallam University ordered a professor to stop her research into Uyghur forced labour in China following alleged pressure from Beijing. Professor Laura Murphy, who specializes in human rights and contemporary slavery, was told to cease her work on supply chains and forced labour in February. The investigation has been referred to South Yorkshire police as the allegations fall under Section 3 of the National Security Act, which pertains to assisting a foreign intelligence service. The university had previously abandoned a planned report on the risk of Uyghur forced labour in critical minerals supply chains, returning funding for the research. This decision came six months before Professor Murphy was instructed to halt her own study. The Chinese government denies accusations of forced labour, stating its work programs are for poverty alleviatio... download the app to read more