Starmer would be ‘pathetic’ not to raise Jimmy Lai case during China visit, says Lord Patten
Starmer urged to discuss Jimmy Lai case during trip to Beijing
- Lord Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, urged Sir Keir Starmer not to avoid offending China during his upcoming visit to Beijing.
- Patten stated that British policy towards China is based on a "complete falsehood" that criticism hinders business, advising Starmer to be direct and say "exactly what he thinks".
- He stressed that Sir Keir must prominently raise the case of Jimmy Lai, a British national and pro-democracy campaigner imprisoned in Hong Kong, as "one of the first things".
- Sir Keir Starmer is travelling to China this week with business leaders to improve trade relations, but faces pressure to address issues like espionage and human rights.
- Patten cautioned against "cosying up" to China, advising the Prime Minister to "recognise the realities" that China breaks agreements when convenient.