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In a recent statement following the lifting of sanctions by China during Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, Labour peer Baroness Helena Kennedy KC has described the move as a “meagre return”. This development comes as part of Starmer’s diplomatic efforts to mend UK-China relations, but Kennedy emphasised that the focus should be on the ongoing plight of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, currently imprisoned in Hong Kong.
Background on Sanctions
Baroness Kennedy was sanctioned in 2021 alongside six other British parliamentarians for publicly denouncing China’s human rights violations against the Uyghur population. The sanctions were lifted after discussions between Prime Minister Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Kennedy expressed disappointment, stating that she had hoped for more significant outcomes from the talks.
In an interview with the BBC’s World Tonight, she acknowledged the Labour government’s achievement in securing concessions where previous Conservative administrations had failed. Yet, she reiterated her desire for greater progress, particularly regarding Lai’s situation. “I’m not going to have balloons on my door and throw confetti around to celebrate this,” she remarked, underscoring her concerns over the lack of tangible outcomes for those still suffering under oppressive policies.
The Jimmy Lai Case
The case of Jimmy Lai remains a pivotal issue in UK-China relations. Lai, a British citizen, was convicted under Hong Kong’s contentious national security law for allegedly colluding with foreign entities. Baroness Kennedy stated she had not received an update on discussions surrounding Lai but hoped for positive news regarding his release. Prime Minister Starmer confirmed he did raise Lai’s case as well as the treatment of Uyghurs during his meetings with Xi.
The sanctions originally targeted vocal critics of China within the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, including prominent figures such as Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Tom Tugendhat. Despite the lifting of sanctions, many of those affected have voiced their discontent, describing the selective easing as inadequate while human rights abuses continue.
Criticism from Political Figures
Critics of the recent diplomatic developments have emerged from various quarters. Former security minister Tugendhat labelled the agreement as “extraordinary and unbelievably bad”, highlighting the perceived inadequacies of the concessions made by the UK. He condemned the approach taken by the Prime Minister, particularly regarding the failure to secure Lai’s release prior to the visit to China.
Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse also voiced her concerns, drawing attention to her own experience of being denied entry to Hong Kong last year. She called for assurances that UK parliamentarians can freely criticise the actions of the Chinese government without fear of repercussions. Her personal ordeal, which she believes was a deliberate attempt to silence dissent, further illustrates the ongoing tensions surrounding China’s treatment of critics.
Economic Implications
Despite the criticisms, there were some economic advancements announced during Starmer’s visit. An agreement to halve import duties on British whisky is set to take effect shortly, although the timeline for a visa-free travel arrangement for British citizens remains uncertain. These economic elements are intended to signal a thaw in relations, yet many remain sceptical about the overall effectiveness of the diplomatic overtures.
Why it Matters
The lifting of sanctions against Baroness Kennedy and others marks a delicate moment in UK-China relations, yet it raises significant questions about the effectiveness of diplomacy when core issues, such as the treatment of political prisoners and human rights abuses, remain unaddressed. As the UK navigates its foreign policy in an increasingly complex global landscape, the balance between economic interests and moral imperatives will be crucial in shaping its standing on the world stage.
