China: Jimmy Lai

Lord Callanan Excerpts

Monday 2nd February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We agree that Jimmy Lai ought to be released immediately because he should not be imprisoned. It is right that the UK Government engage with China. After such a long time of the UK not having engaged in this way, this is not the sort of situation where we get everything we want with one visit. The relationship will improve. It is good that we are engaging and that we are clear on what we expect and want to happen for Jimmy Lai. Engagement and challenge are not mutually exclusive; they go hand in hand.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

My Lords, I think there is unanimity across the House on this matter. It is obviously good news that the Prime Minister raised the Jimmy Lai case, as well as the appalling treatment of the Uyghur population—we absolutely welcome that—but can the Minister give us a bit more detail? What responses were received and what happens next? How will they continue the campaign to get Jimmy released?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I advise noble Lords that the Prime Minister will make a Statement in the other place later this afternoon, in which more detail may well be discussed. I am not in a position to pre-empt that Statement now, but I note the Opposition Benches’ support for the Prime Minister raising the cases of Jimmy Lai and the Uyghurs.