Debates between Andrew Western and Anne-Marie Trevelyan during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Trial of Jimmy Lai

Debate between Andrew Western and Anne-Marie Trevelyan
Monday 18th December 2023

(1 year ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Anne-Marie Trevelyan Portrait Anne-Marie Trevelyan
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. The tools that we have at our disposal here in the mother of Parliaments, which allow for freedom of speech and expression, are incredibly important. As a Minister who spends a lot of her time on the other side of the world in countries large and small, I am very conscious that the messaging from this Parliament is heard loud and clear in every other country. We perhaps forget just how important our voice is in standing up for the values that we believe in.

Andrew Western Portrait Andrew Western (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab)
- View Speech - Hansard - -

Mr Lai’s detention is a shocking symbol of the erosion not just of human rights but of freedom of expression in Hong Kong. Given everything that we are seeing unfolding, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure that we are supportive of what remains of a free press in Hong Kong?

Anne-Marie Trevelyan Portrait Anne-Marie Trevelyan
- View Speech - Hansard - - - Excerpts

Jimmy Lai has been an extraordinary champion of free speech, which he chose to continue, despite the changing landscape in Hong Kong. We continue to support people across the piece, many of whom have come to the UK for sanctuary, to be able to be able to speak out and use our freedom of press to share their concerns and highlight the abuses they are seeing.