A decision by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) to allow the importation of cotton goods produced with forced labour in China is to be challenged in the High Court.

The landmark legal action, brought by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), with the support of non-profit organisation Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), seeks a declaration that the UK’s approach to the importation of Chinese cotton is unlawful as it allows companies to profit from human rights atrocities.