Urgent Plea for UK Intervention: Son of Jailed Tycoon Jimmy Lai Seeks Help as Health Falters Amid Diplomatic Talks

'Saving his life is crucial': Jimmy Lai's son appeals for immediate action from the UK following discussions in China

Sebastien Lai, speaking to Sky News, expressed his hope that Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized during his trip to China the impossibility of normalizing ties while a British citizen remains jailed for defending freedoms.

Friday, October 18, 2024, 10:

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Sebastien Lai, whose father Jimmy Lai is a prominent business magnate and supporter of democratic rights currently imprisoned in China, has urgently appealed to the United Kingdom for assistance as his father's health worsens during his time in solitary confinement.

UK national Mr. Lai, a leading detractor of the Chinese Communist Party, has been incarcerated in Hong Kong since December 2020.

He is facing nearly six years in prison for rental agreement fraud—typically a matter resolved with a monetary penalty—and is also awaiting trial on charges of inciting rebellion and collaborating with external entities.

During UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Beijing on Friday, his first since assuming office, the issue of Mr. Lai's detention was raised.

The Foreign Office characterized the interaction as "practical and essential," noting that Mr. Lammy's discussion with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, was "productive."

The discussion topics included human rights issues, specifically the case of Mr. Lai and the reported abuses of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Sebastien Lai, speaking to Sky News, expressed his hope that Mr. Lammy would convey the message that normalizing relations is unfeasible while a British citizen remains jailed for defending the freedoms fundamental to our democratic system.

"He added that we cannot engage in fair trade with a partner who does not respect our rights to speak freely and to exist."

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Mr. Lai described his father's situation as "critical" while speaking to Sky News, stating, "It has been four years since I last saw my dad, following his arrest at the end of 2020."

At 76, nearing 77, he has spent four years in solitary confinement; I haven't been able to visit him in the high-security facility.

"His condition has significantly deteriorated, as one might anticipate, so the focus is not only on bringing my father back home but also on preserving his life."

At this week's session of Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that securing Mr. Lai's release is a top priority for the government.

Further reading: Lammy confronts challenging matters during visit to ChinaChina's increasing control over Islam

While in Beijing, Mr. Lammy engaged in talks covering "foreign policy and security issues," touching on the supply of military equipment to the Russian forces by Chinese firms and the current circumstances in the Middle East.

However, there was no explicit mention of Taiwan.

At the start of the week, China conducted extensive military drills around the island, which Sir Keir characterized as "detrimental to peace and stability."

Stay updated on the most recent developments both in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

In an indication of the UK government's commitment to building relations with China, the world's second-largest economy, Mr. Lammy talked about opportunities for "mutually advantageous collaboration" in fields like climate, energy, science, trade, and technology.

He also emphasized that Britain would always prioritize its national interests and security.

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After the discussion, Mr. Wang stated, "Relations between China and Britain are at a fresh beginning. The competition among leading nations should not define our times."

The UK government recently ordered a review of its ties with China following accusations that China engaged in cyber espionage and surveillance activities within the UK.

Beijing states that the allegations are "entirely false".

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