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Question
What specific actions will be taken to secure Jimmy Lai's release and what is the response from China?
Minister reply
The minister reaffirms continuous efforts to raise Jimmy Lai’s case with Chinese officials, including summoning the Chinese ambassador. She commits to further diplomatic engagement to press for his release and medical care while upholding international law.
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Question
The hon. Member supports Jimmy Lai's release and asks what was the outcome of summoning the Chinese ambassador, whether Jimmy Lai’s access to medical treatment has been assured, and whether the Government will take further steps to secure his immediate release.
Minister reply
Unfortunately, China has not currently agreed either to consular access or to health access. However, we will continue to raise this issue with our international partners as well as directly with China, including in international forums.
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Question
The hon. Member asks for reassurances that all possible actions are being pursued to ensure Jimmy Lai obtains his legal access to British consular support and for his immediate release.
Minister reply
We will continue to do everything we can to provide consular support for all those affected by the national security law, in particular Jimmy Lai.
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Question
The right hon. Member expresses concerns about the case being not only about Hong Kong but also about this Chamber, given his name is mentioned in the prosecution case against Jimmy Lai. He urges for a ratcheting up of measures to show China that their actions are unacceptable, including no visit by the Prime Minister to China until Jimmy Lai is released and imposing sanctions on those responsible.
Minister reply
Let me be clear that we will continue to pursue this issue through international routes, as well as directly with China. We have expanded the sanctions not just around cyber-threats but also on issues such as support for Russia and the war on Ukraine.
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Question
What message does the Foreign Secretary have for Jimmy Lai's family, and can she assure them that everything will be on the table in what the Government decide to do next?
Minister reply
We send our wholehearted support to Jimmy Lai’s family. We will continue to raise this issue in every forum we can and draw on humanitarian grounds for his immediate release.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary meet Sebastien, with his legal advisers from Doughty Street Chambers, to discuss what additional pressure can be put on the Chinese Government to obtain Jimmy Lai’s release?
Minister reply
I have met Sebastien Lai previously and I will certainly meet him again in order to talk to him about what more support we can provide.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary have confidence in the legal system in Hong Kong, and is there anything that we can do to support my constituent who suffered a terrible rape in Hong Kong?
Minister reply
I am very sorry to hear about her constituent's circumstances. We have raised concerns repeatedly especially in relation to the national security law, which does not respect the commitments agreed upon.
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Question
May I ask the Foreign Secretary when she last met Carmen Lau to discuss those concerns, and how she can reassure Hongkongers living in Britain that they will be safe?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Member for standing up for his constituent. The counter-terrorism police take this very seriously and pursue every possible investigation, expanding their work in relation to state threats.
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Question
What action will the Prime Minister take to protect British citizens like Jimmy Lai?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister has already raised this directly with his counterparts, as have many other Ministers. We will continue to do so.
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Question
Will the Foreign Secretary forgive me—I recognise that she been in the role for only a matter of months—when I say that what we are hearing, again, is the bureaucratisation of process and not the leadership that politics is supposed to offer?
Minister reply
I am very clear about the nature of the security threats China poses. We have strengthened our state threat response.
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Question
May I ask the Foreign Secretary, and also the National Security Adviser, to meet Jimmy’s legal team as a matter of urgency before the sentencing starts?
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his words about the appalling attack on Bondi Beach. Both the Prime Minister and I have met Sebastien Lai previously and I will very happily do so again.
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Question
In view Jimmy Lai’s British citizenship, will the Foreign Secretary directly engage afresh with her opposite number, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and the Chinese state to mount the very strong case for clemency for Jimmy Lai?
Minister reply
We are clear about the fact that we need the Chinese Government to hear condemnation of what has happened in respect of the politically motivated prosecution in this case.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that those Members of the House of Lords who still serve on the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong should step down, so as not to lend their credibility to a system that has clearly abandoned the rule of law?
Minister reply
While independent processes for the judiciary exist, it is crucial we stand up for the values of the UK. The Chinese authorities need to recognise and fulfill their legal obligations under the joint declaration to implement justice.
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Question
Can the Foreign Secretary investigate the lack of engagement with the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China and ensure it is given proper level of engagement?
Minister reply
I will certainly follow up on this matter, and I agree that speaking with one powerful voice in demanding Jimmy Lai's release is immensely important.
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Question
Can the case of Lee Cheuk-yan be raised to secure his immediate release?
Minister reply
I will follow up on this case, reaffirming that many people face prosecution under the national security law. We are clear in our stance for the repeal of this law and adherence to the declaration's legal obligations.
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Question
What stronger actions can be taken against China given its strategic threats?
Minister reply
While we acknowledge national security threats, including transnational oppression and cyber-threats, our economic history with Hong Kong necessitates a balanced approach that upholds both human rights issues and trading relationships.
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Question
Can the Foreign Secretary share constituents' concerns about changes to language and income requirements for the 5+1 British national overseas settlement route?
Minister reply
I welcome highlighting of Hongkongers in local communities. Over 200,000 have been welcomed through the BNO route; I will pass on points raised to Home Office.
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Question
Why has the UK not secured Jimmy Lai's release from China and what message does this send to other British citizens held in arbitrary detention?
Minister reply
Deep changes have been observed over five years. We continue raising concerns about national security law, providing consular support where possible.
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Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree with criticisms of Government dealings with China?
Minister reply
While I can probably agree on disagreements, previous Governments did engage in ways that were necessary for Britain's interests.
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Question
Can the Foreign Secretary consider targeted sanctions against Chinese Communist party officials involved in Jimmy Lai’s decision and issuing bounties?
Minister reply
We will continue supporting those facing threats here, including Hongkongers. We are strengthening work of counter-terrorism police and intelligence agencies on state threats.
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Question
Is it a disastrous decision to allow the super-embassy to go ahead given the battle over state form dominance?
Minister reply
This is an independent planning process. We seek international support for our call for urgent release of Jimmy Lai, prioritising this issue globally.
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Question
Welcomed the Foreign Secretary's call for Jimmy Lai's release and condemnation of a politically motivated act but asked if the UK government will make it clear to China that its actions cannot be business as usual, threatening sanctions over energy contracts in the North Sea.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the need to address economic security concerns, stating that working with G7 countries on retaining energy and national security is essential given China's operations globally.
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Question
Called for real action from the government beyond words in response to Jimmy Lai's conviction, suggesting withdrawal of support for the Chinese super-embassy as a show of strength.
Minister reply
Replied that the planning agreement would see the reduction of Chinese diplomatic premises if reached and that the UK will continue to press for the urgent release of Jimmy Lai.
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Question
Expressed concern about British citizens, particularly BNOs in her constituency, who are worried about visiting family members in Hong Kong due to dual nationality issues.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the concerns and difficulties raised by the hon. Member, emphasising that British citizenship is not recognised by Chinese authorities for visits.
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Question
Paid tribute to Sebastien Lai and pressed for an answer on why China has not been placed in the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, raising security implications.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the Security Minister updates the House regularly on the FIRS process, stating that Home Office, Foreign Office, and security agencies take these issues seriously.
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Question
Sent sympathies to those affected by the murders in Bondi Beach and questioned the lack of protection for British nationals like Jimmy Lai.
Minister reply
Confirmed that the UK will continue to call for Jimmy Lai's release, emphasising international support is needed for a humanitarian outcome.