Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Beijing for the first UK leader visit in eight years, vowing to “raise the issues that need to be raised” on human rights with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip is aimed at improving economic relations, but Starmer faces pressure from rights groups and MPs to secure the release of jailed British citizen Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon convicted under national security laws.
Speaking on the flight, Starmer said engagement with China allows discussion of disagreements. However, former security minister Tom Tugendhat criticised the PM for not securing Lai’s release before the visit, accusing him of showing his hand to Beijing. Lai’s son Sebastien warned that his father’s health is deteriorating due to diabetes and heart issues, and urged Starmer to impose conditions.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has already called for Lai’s immediate release and summoned the Chinese ambassador. Starmer may also raise the situation of the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, which Labour previously considered recognising as genocide. Downing Street insists the PM will maintain “guardrails” on national security and not trade principles for profit.
Human Rights Watch UK director Yasmine Ahmed urged Starmer not to abandon human rights in pursuit of economic deals, warning it would weaken Britain’s standing. Starmer dismissed concerns about Chinese spying on his operation, stating robust security measures are in place.
