Clive Jones, the Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, has questioned what steps the government is taking to protect pro-democracy Hongkongers, following the imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai.
Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison on 9 February under Hong Kong’s controversial national security law, which is widely condemned by international human rights organisations.
Wokingham is home to a growing Hong Kong community, many of whom settled in the borough through the British National (Overseas) visa pathway.
Wokingham residents have raised concerns with the MP about their safety and civil liberties following the crackdown on pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
During the debate on Jimmy Lai: Prison Sentence on February 9, the MP said: “Jimmy Lai’s conviction is a massive failure for the prime minister, who said that he could change outcomes.
“This sends a worrying signal to Hongkongers living in Wokingham and across the UK, many of whom face intimidation from China when they are simply standing up for their civil liberties.”
The Wokingham MP then questioned the government on what steps it is taking to protect pro-democracy Hongkongers in Wokingham who feel under threat from Chinese authorities.
The Liberal Democrats have also urged the prime minister to summon the Chinese ambassador to demand Jimmy Lai’s immediate release, and for his sentence to be overturned.
Jones said: “Jimmy Lai’s conviction is utterly unjust and will understandably leave many local Hong Kong residents fearful for their safety here in our country.
“Keir Starmer argued he could change the outcomes for Jimmy Lai and other Hongkongers during his recent visit to Beijing. It is clear that his discussions with President Xi have failed.
“The Chinese Communist Party cannot be allowed to crush civil liberties and the rule of law in Hong Kong without consequence.
“That is why I urged the government to take a firm stand, and make clear that there will be serious consequences unless China changes course, for the sake of our local Hong Kong community and those across the country.”
