Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Jimmy Lai

Tuesday 30 April 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Foreign Secretary raised Jimmy Lai's case with the Chinese Foreign Minister in February and again during visits to Beijing and Hong Kong.
  • The Minister confirmed that Jimmy Lai's case highlights issues with freedom of expression and association in China.
  • The Minister stated that they have met various groups in Beijing, including civil society and political interlocutors, to address human rights issues like freedom of expression.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Seely Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, is facing prosecution in Hong Kong.

Question

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.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

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.

Answered
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Q2 Bob Seely Con
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, faces prosecution in Hong Kong. Vladimir Kara-Murza is another case of political show trials in Russia.

Question

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?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether the government could do more to defend British citizens like Jimmy Lai and Vladimir Kara-Murza

How: Raises An Important Question

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Q3 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
Foreign Affairs
Context

Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, faces prosecution in Hong Kong.

Question

Has the Minister or any other Foreign Office Minister had an opportunity to raise this issue directly with the Chinese ambassador?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

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.

Answered
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Q4 Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Foreign Affairs
Context

Jimmy Lai, a British citizen, faces prosecution in Hong Kong. This raises questions about the balance between economic and moral considerations.

Question

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?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether the Minister managed to address both trade interests and human rights issues effectively

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