UK Government Intensifies Calls for Jimmy Lai's Release on Humanitarian Grounds
The British government is mounting a concerted diplomatic effort to secure the release of jailed Hong Kong democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai on humanitarian grounds. This push comes as Downing Street vigorously defended Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent engagement with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, despite the harsh sentencing of the 78-year-old British national.
Harsh Sentence Under Controversial Security Law
Mr. Lai, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper which frequently criticised both Hong Kong and Beijing authorities, received a devastating 20-year prison sentence on Monday. This punishment was handed down under China's National Security Law, legislation imposed on Hong Kong that has drawn widespread international condemnation for its use against political dissenters.
The activist was originally arrested in August 2020, and his case has since become a focal point in deteriorating UK-China relations. Sir Keir Starmer personally raised Mr. Lai's situation with President Xi during his diplomatic visit to China earlier last month, demonstrating the case's prominence in bilateral discussions.
Downing Street Defends Engagement Strategy
Prime Minister Starmer's official spokesman forcefully rejected suggestions that Mr. Lai's severe sentence indicated the failure of Britain's engagement policy with China. "Having a policy of not engaging at all with China is not a policy that benefits Britain or British citizens," the spokesman asserted. "It is much better to have a relationship that allows us to make our case directly to the Chinese president rather than just talking into a void."
The spokesman emphasised that continued dialogue actually created "a stronger chance of securing a positive outcome for Jimmy Lai" compared to complete diplomatic disengagement. When pressed on whether Britain would take concrete actions beyond diplomatic requests, the official declined to characterise the government's approach as merely asking for Mr. Lai's release.
Political Condemnation Across Party Lines
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a strong statement condemning the sentencing, describing it as "an appalling ordeal" for the elderly activist. "Beijing's National Security Law was imposed on Hong Kong to silence China's critics," she declared, noting that for a 78-year-old, a 20-year sentence effectively represents a life term.
Ms. Cooper expressed deep concern for Mr. Lai's health and reiterated calls for his release on humanitarian grounds so he might be reunited with his family. In Parliament, Foreign Office minister Seema Malhotra echoed these sentiments, stating the sentence was unsurprising given the law's purpose of suppressing criticism of Chinese authorities.
Parliamentary and International Reactions
The case has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan-Smith denounced the sentence as "a political punishment for the simple act of standing up for freedom of the press and the rule of law." He accused Sir Keir Starmer of being "treated like dirt" during his China visit and called for sanctions against those responsible for undermining the Sino-British agreement.
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel launched a blistering attack on the government, labelling the failure to secure Mr. Lai's release as "a monumental failure of his feeble and gullible Prime Minister." She demanded the Foreign Secretary summon the Chinese ambassador and prepare to expel diplomats in response to China's refusal to free the activist.
Internationally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined calls for Mr. Lai's release on humanitarian grounds, describing the sentence as "an unjust and tragic conclusion to this case." The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China stated the verdict served as "irrefutable proof that Hong Kong's legal system answers to Beijing."
Expanded UK Visa Route for Hong Kong Residents
Amidst this diplomatic tension, the Home Office announced a significant expansion of UK visa routes for Hong Kong residents. Adult children of British National (Overseas) status holders who were under 18 during Hong Kong's 1997 handover to China will now be eligible to apply independently for UK residence.
This policy change extends to partners and children of eligible applicants, with government estimates suggesting approximately 26,000 people will relocate to Britain through this expanded route over the next five years. The move represents a tangible response to ongoing concerns about rights and freedoms in Hong Kong under Chinese administration.
The Jimmy Lai case continues to highlight fundamental tensions between Western democratic values and China's approach to governance in Hong Kong, testing the limits of diplomatic engagement between London and Beijing.
