Foreign Secretary Demands End to Jimmy Lai's 'Appalling Ordeal' in Hong Kong
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has issued a forceful call for Hong Kong's authorities to terminate what she describes as the "appalling ordeal" of imprisoned pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai. The 78-year-old British national received a 20-year prison sentence on Monday under the controversial national security law imposed by China.
Lengthy Sentence Under Security Legislation
The substantial sentence comprises eighteen years for conspiring with others to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, along with conspiracy to publish seditious articles. This term will run consecutively with an additional five years and nine months for fraud charges. In a statement disseminated via the Foreign Office's official X account, Ms Cooper condemned the prosecution as politically motivated, asserting that Mr Lai had merely been "exercising his right to freedom of expression."
"Beijing's National Security Law was imposed on Hong Kong to silence China's critics," declared the Foreign Secretary. "For the 78-year-old, this is tantamount to a life sentence." Ms Cooper expressed profound concern for Mr Lai's deteriorating health, reiterating her appeal to the Hong Kong authorities to release him on humanitarian grounds, enabling his reunion with family.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously raised Mr Lai's case directly with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his diplomatic visit last month, characterising their exchange as a "respectful discussion" on the matter. Ms Cooper highlighted that this engagement had "opened up discussion of our most acute concerns directly with the Chinese government, at the highest levels," confirming the Government's commitment to "rapidly engage further" on the case.
The Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the UK's steadfast support for Hong Kong's people, vowing to honour the historical commitments enshrined in the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration. "We stand with the people of Hong Kong, and will always honour the historical commitments made under the legally binding Sino-British Joint Declaration," she stated. "China must do the same."
Background and Health Concerns
Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper which frequently criticised the Hong Kong and Beijing governments, was initially arrested in August 2020. His legal representative, Robert Pang, voiced serious health concerns in January, detailing that Mr Lai has suffered from multiple medical issues including:
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
These conditions have exacerbated worries about his wellbeing during imprisonment, adding urgency to the calls for his release on compassionate grounds.
