The government has stated that its priority is to secure the release of pro-democracy activist and British citizen Jimmy Lai, who is currently imprisoned in Hong Kong. Conservative leader Rishi Sunak recently enquired as to whether Lai’s imprisonment constituted a breach of the 1984 treaty transferring power over Hong Kong from the UK to China, and the prime minister agreed that it was. Lai was arrested in 2020 under a charge of fraud and involvement in protests, and is now facing trial for sedition and collusion with foreign forces, which, if convicted, would result in a life sentence.
Sebastien Lai, his son, has called for action from Sir Keir Starmer, stating that his father, who is now 76 years old, has spent almost four years in solitary confinement in a maximum security prison after peacefully campaigning for democracy in Hong Kong. His health has deteriorated, and Sebastien Lai has asked the prime minister to save his father’s life and bring him home. Lai founded Apple Daily, which has since closed, and was involved in pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Under the 1984 Joint Sino-British Declaration, China agreed that Hong Kong would retain a “high degree of autonomy” and certain rights, including freedom of assembly and speech. However, China has gradually increased its control over the former British colony, leading to the National Security Law being passed in 2020, which made it easier to suppress protests. Lai’s lawyer criticised the UK government’s involvement in the case, stating that of the five foreign secretaries, only David Cameron had met Lai’s legal team.
Sir Keir responded to Sunak’s enquiry by stating that the case is a priority for the government and that he calls on Hong Kong authorities to release the British national immediately. The foreign secretary raised the case in his first meeting with China’s foreign minister, and the government will continue to do so. Sunak also asked Sir Keir about the implementation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, which forces those working for a foreign power or body to declare their lobbying activities. The scheme had been due to come into force this year, but the Home Office informed MI5 that it is “no longer expected.”
Sunak criticised the government for not implementing the Freedom of Speech Act, which he said would help defend universities from Chinese political influence. The prime minister stated that the government supports the work done by the security and intelligence services. The government is prioritising the case and working towards the implementation of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme
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