Sebastien Lai, son of Jimmy Lai, has publicly criticised the United Kingdom’s advocacy for his father’s release, following a recent visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer’s trip marked the first visit by a British Prime Minister to China in eight years.
Criticism of UK Diplomacy
Speaking at a parliamentary hearing last week, Sebastien Lai stated, “If it is so important, then surely there should be some conditionalities put on my father’s release. The trip was a big thing to have been given away.” He further asserted that the “values [that the UK stands for] are being locked up along with” his 78-year-old father.
Following the Prime Minister’s visit, the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arbitrary Detention and Hostage Affairs released a statement claiming that “an opportunity to secure [Jimmy Lai’s] release has been squandered by weak diplomacy.”
The group went on to state that “These opportunities will cost Jimmy Lai his life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sebastien Lai say about the UK’s efforts?
Sebastien Lai said the UK has not done enough to advocate for his father’s release and suggested conditionalities should have been placed on Prime Minister Starmer’s visit to Beijing regarding his father’s case.
Who issued a statement following Starmer’s visit?
The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arbitrary Detention and Hostage Affairs issued a statement following Starmer’s visit, criticising the diplomacy as weak and claiming an opportunity to secure Jimmy Lai’s release had been lost.
How old is Jimmy Lai?
Jimmy Lai is 78 years old, according to his son’s statement.
What role will continued diplomatic engagement play in the future of this case remains to be seen, and further developments could depend on the evolving dynamics between the UK and China.
