Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, is facing prosecution in Hong Kong.
What steps are being taken by the Department to support Jimmy Lai during his trial in Hong Kong? The Foreign Secretary raised this case with the Chinese Foreign Minister in February. I am concerned about Mr Lai's situation and want to know what actions are being taken to ensure his safety and fair treatment.
We have called for an end to British citizen Jimmy Lai's prosecution in Hong Kong and for his release. The Foreign Secretary raised this case with the Chinese Foreign Minister in February, and I raised it during my visits to Beijing and Hong Kong last week.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, faces prosecution in Hong Kong. Vladimir Kara-Murza is another case of political show trials in Russia.
Would Ministers agree that the Jimmy Lai case highlights the nature of the Chinese communist regime? Could we be doing more to defend British citizens facing political trials in authoritarian or fascist states?
Mr Lai has faced multiple charges to silence him, targeting his rights to freedom of expression and association. My hon. Friend raises an important question about dual nationals; we will continue to champion them. We have consular teams at Jimmy Lai's trial almost every day.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the government could do more to defend British citizens like Jimmy Lai and Vladimir Kara-Murza
Raises An Important Question
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, faces prosecution in Hong Kong.
Has the Minister or any other Foreign Office Minister had an opportunity to raise this issue directly with the Chinese ambassador?
I have raised this issue with the ambassador, and was able to raise it last week when I was in Beijing with my Foreign Minister counterpart.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, faces prosecution in Hong Kong. This raises questions about the balance between economic and moral considerations.
Can the Minister confirm that during her visit to Beijing she managed to address both legitimate trade interests and human rights issues like freedom of expression?
I was able to meet many different groups, including businesses, civil society, religious voices, and political interlocutors in Beijing last week. I raised very firmly all those issues such as freedom of expression during robust discussions.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether the Minister managed to address both trade interests and human rights issues effectively
Response accuracy