China: Human Rights and Sanctions

Zarah Sultana Excerpts

Monday 28th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lammy]

That scheme is important. It is hugely important that countries of concern do not have undue influence, in relation to our national security, on business and industry. We will come forward with our plans in due course.

[Zarah Sultana (Coventry South) (Ind)]

Much like Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, British-Egyptian writer and pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah remains unlawfully detained in Egypt, and still has not been granted access to British consular officials, despite the British Government raising the case at the highest levels. His mother Laila is now on hunger strike against his continued imprisonment. In November 2022, the Foreign Secretary called on the then British Government to take more direct action to bring Alaa home, recognising the UK Government’s responsibility to protect citizens from arbitrary detention and human rights abuses abroad. Since coming to office, what have the Foreign Secretary and the Government done to follow through on what he once promised and to bring Alaa home?

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The urgent question was purely about Hong Kong. I know that there is a slight connection.

[Zarah Sultana]

There is a similarity.

[Mr Speaker]

Yes, but I judge the similarity, not your good self. If the Foreign Secretary wishes to take it, fine. If he does not, I understand.