Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Minister for Asia has met with the Parliamentarians and academics who were sanctioned by the People's Republic of China.

The Foreign Secretary is clear that the freedom to speak out in opposition to human rights violations is fundamental, and the Government stands firmly with those who have been sanctioned.

The Prime Minister and former Foreign Secretary held meetings with the Parliamentarians named in China's announcement in March 2021, and Lord Ahmad has met other individuals and entities targeted. Through this engagement we have provided guidance and ongoing support, including a designated FCDO point of contact, and specialist briefing from relevant Government departments. We continue to offer our full support to those affected.