China: Jimmy Lai

Lord West of Spithead Excerpts

Monday 2nd February 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The noble and learned Lord is right that the Chinese ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office, which, in diplomatic terms, is a serious thing. I do not know the contents of the conversation or indeed who was in the room, but I can confirm that this act took place in response to what happened with the sentencing of Jimmy Lai and to indicate the very firm belief of the UK Government that this should not have happened and that Jimmy Lai should be released immediately.

[Lord West of Spithead (Lab)]

My Lords, in my dealings with the Chinese, I have found that very often the best thing is to make sure that they do not lose face. It is much better to talk quietly in the background and actually show that you could make them lose face if things are not done. I ask my noble friend the Minister whether that is not exactly what our Prime Minister has done in China.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Our Prime Minister has been very clear on where he stands on the issue of Jimmy Lai. Sometimes, as the noble Lord says, it is appropriate to do things discreetly and quietly, but, equally, sometimes it is important to be clear about what we want and believe. It is an art, as he indicates, but our interests are better served by taking an approach which rests upon engagement.