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Political Prisoners
18 June 2025
Lead MP
Rachel Blake
Cities of London and Westminster
Lab/Co-op
Responding Minister
Mr Hamish Falconer
Tags
TaxationForeign Affairs
Word Count: 8962
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Rachel Blake raised concerns about political prisoners in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should include Jimmy Lai’s release in any trade negotiations and international meetings with Chinese counterparts. The Prime Minister must meet Sebastien Lai to discuss his father's case and use every lever at their disposal to secure Mr Lai's safe return.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Jimmy Lai has been detained abroad since December 2020, with the UN ruling his detention unlawful and arbitrary. His health deteriorates in solitary confinement due to extreme heat, and he faces unjust legal proceedings against national security and sedition charges.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
Supports Tony Vaughan’s call for redoubled efforts on Jimmy Lai's case, emphasising the broader implications for international agreements and human rights guarantees.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Discussed Jimmy Lai's case and called for more detailed updates from the Government regarding conversations with Chinese counterparts, questioning the effectiveness of high-profile visits and requesting a review on consular support.
Connor Rand
Lab
Altrincham and Sale West
Mr Rand highlighted the case of Jimmy Lai, focusing on his health and the fear among Hong Kong diaspora communities. He urged the Government to adopt new strategies for securing his release.
West Dunbartonshire
Commended Rachel Blake for her efforts and highlighted the case of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British national arbitrarily detained in India since 2017 on political charges carrying the death penalty.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Asked if Rachel Blake would add that the Government needs to form a coalition of international Governments to put pressure on China to release Jimmy Lai.
James Naish
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
Congratulates Rachel Blake on securing the debate and suggests that honorary citizenship could be granted to Jimmy Lai, similar to Canada's initiative. Emphasises the need for using all possible levers to secure Mr Lai’s freedom. Asked about the impact of international support for detainees like Jimmy Lai, noting that even extensive backing does not seem to change outcomes. Inquired about practical steps that could be taken in addition to warm words, specifically for Jimmy Lai's case.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Raises concerns about Jimmy Lai's inhumane treatment, including denial of religious freedom and medical care. Advocates for the full weight of British authority to secure his release. Asked the Minister about Jimmy Lai's right to religious worship and his freedom of belief.
Rachel Blake
Lab
Wolverhampton West
Commended all participants and highlighted the human rights issues faced by detainees like Jimmy Lai and Jagtar Singh Johal.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Supports the debate on Jimmy Lai but also raises Ryan Cornelius' case, an individual incarcerated for 17 years in the UAE without legal basis. Urges the Foreign Office to raise this issue regardless of business deals.
Suella Braverman
Con
Fareham
Supports Rachel Blake and expresses concern over Jimmy Lai’s continued detention under China's national security law, denied access to independent medical treatment, and calls for his immediate release based on the UN working group's opinion.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
Mr Roca discussed state hostage taking and arbitrary detention in general terms, referencing cases of Ryan Cornelius, Jagtar Singh Johal, Alaa Abd El-Fattah, and Jimmy Lai. Stressed the need for urgency and assertiveness in dealing with cases of arbitrary detention, advocating for cultural changes within the FCDO and a special envoy focused on releases.
Tony Vaughan
Lab
Folkestone and Hythe
Commends Rachel Blake for securing the debate and highlights Jimmy Lai's deteriorating health conditions, lack of independent medical care, and inhumane treatment. Urges China to respect international agreements.
Warinder Juss
Lab
Wolverhampton West
Ms Juss spoke about Jagtar Singh Johal's case, emphasizing international human rights breaches and urging the Government to use diplomatic channels for his release.
Government Response
Mr Hamish Falconer
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
The Government remain gravely concerned about Jimmy Lai’s politically motivated prosecution. They have called on Beijing to repeal the national security law and end prosecutions under it. The Prime Minister has raised Mr Lai's case with President Xi, and other ministers, including the Foreign Secretary and Chancellor, have done so regularly. Our diplomats have attended his trial to show support. The Government will continue to raise Jimmy Lai’s detention with their Chinese counterparts. Addressed concerns regarding consular assistance in cases of human rights violations. Mentioned the appointment of a special envoy to work with families on complex detention cases. Emphasised ongoing engagement at high levels for the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah and expressed concern over Laila's hospitalisation.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.