British parliamentarians who were previously subject to Chinese sanctions have expressed strong criticism following the announcement that these restrictions have been lifted for sitting MPs and peers, while remaining in place for other campaigners. The group has labelled this selective approach as "wrong" and warned it sends a "damaging signal" about preferential treatment.
Diplomatic Breakthrough or Selective Treatment?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer revealed during his visit to China that President Xi Jinping had agreed to lift the sanctions against British MPs and peers during their bilateral talks. The measures, which included travel bans to China, had been in place since 2021 as a retaliatory response to UK sanctions against Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses in Xinjiang province.
Sir Keir told broadcasters in Shanghai that he felt "duty-bound" to raise the issue during his discussions with the Chinese leadership. He emphasised that the resolution demonstrated the value of direct engagement and leader-to-leader dialogue in addressing difficult bilateral issues between the two nations.
Parliamentarians Voice Strong Objections
In a joint statement, the affected parliamentarians including former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former security minister Tom Tugendhat, Commons deputy speaker Nus Ghani, and several others expressed serious concerns about the selective nature of the sanctions relief.
"The selective lifting of sanctions solely on sitting parliamentarians is wrong," they stated unequivocally. "Parliament exists to represent and defend the people of the United Kingdom. Seeking or accepting preferential treatment for current MPs and peers sends a damaging signal that some are more deserving of protection than others."
The group noted with particular concern that sanctions appeared to remain in place against former MP Tim Loughton and other campaigners, possibly including their own family members. They emphasised that they would continue speaking out against human rights abuses, particularly the targeting of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.
Political Reactions and Broader Concerns
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed scepticism about China's motivations, suggesting the move might be temporary and designed to facilitate President Xi's potential visit to the UK Parliament. "Let's see how long this lasts," she remarked, adding that Labour had given China "everything they want for absolutely nothing in return."
Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, who was denied entry to Hong Kong last year despite not being on any official sanction list, highlighted the problem of "secret bans" that continue to affect parliamentarians. She called for assurances that all MPs could criticise the Chinese Communist Party's actions without fear of retribution.
The Chinese foreign ministry welcomed the development, stating: "China welcomes British parliamentarians who have the willingness to visit China more and experience the real China." However, it is understood that Britain will not be lifting its own sanctions against Chinese officials in exchange for this concession.
Ongoing Human Rights Concerns
The parliamentarians stressed they could take "no comfort" in the decision while pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai remains imprisoned and Uighurs continue to suffer atrocities. They called for "clear assurances" that the UK's sanctions against four Chinese government officials would remain firmly in place.
This development highlights the complex diplomatic balancing act between engaging with China on economic and political matters while maintaining pressure on human rights issues. The selective nature of the sanctions relief has raised important questions about consistency in defending democratic values and protecting all British citizens equally when they speak out against international human rights abuses.
