Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said he will “raise the issues that need to be raised” on human rights during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he arrived in Beijing for the first UK leader visit to China in eight years. The trip aims to improve economic relations, but Starmer faces pressure from rights groups to secure the release of Jimmy Lai, a jailed British citizen and pro-democracy figure in Hong Kong.
Lai, a former media tycoon, was convicted of national security offences in a case the UK views as politically motivated. He faces life imprisonment. Starmer told reporters on the flight to China that he has always raised issues of disagreement during such visits, but stressed the importance of engagement to discuss these matters.
Conservative former security minister Tom Tugendhat criticised Starmer for not securing Lai’s release before the visit, saying the prime minister had shown his hand to the Chinese. Lai’s son Sebastien expressed concern for his father’s health, noting he suffers from diabetes and heart issues, and urged Starmer to attach conditions to any discussions.
Starmer may also raise the treatment of Uyghurs, a persecuted Muslim minority in China. Downing Street said the prime minister would maintain “guardrails” on national security and human rights, despite seeking stronger economic ties. Human Rights Watch urged Starmer not to abandon principles for profit, warning that failing to address rights abuses could weaken Britain’s standing.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has already called for Lai’s immediate release and summoned the Chinese ambassador. Starmer dismissed concerns about Chinese espionage affecting his administration, stating that robust security measures are in place.
