London – The UK government has strongly condemned the conviction of Hong Kong media tycoon and British citizen Jimmy Lai, describing the prosecution as “politically motivated.”

Lai, 78, founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily, was found guilty under Hong Kong’s Beijing-imposed National Security Law for conspiracy and sedition charges. He has been in custody since 2020, much of it in solitary confinement, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

UK Officials Call for Immediate Release

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized the verdict, stating:

“Jimmy Lai has been targeted by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression… We continue to call for Mr Lai’s immediate release, for all necessary treatment and for full access to independent medical professionals.”

Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel labeled the trial a “political show” and urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to raise Lai’s case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, demanding his immediate release and return to the UK.

Downing Street echoed the condemnation, emphasizing that the UK will continue to appeal to China for Lai’s release and medical treatment ahead of his sentencing.

Criticism Over UK Government Action

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arbitrary Detention and Hostage Affairs argued that the UK has not acted decisively enough, contrasting with countries like the US, Canada, and Australia, which have successfully secured the release of their citizens from arbitrary detention in China and Hong Kong.

“If the UK had taken faster, firmer and more fervent action to secure his release, Jimmy Lai could be spending Christmas with his family rather than arbitrarily detained in Hong Kong,” the group said.

The case has heightened international concern over press freedom and human rights in Hong Kong, highlighting the ongoing global debate around Beijing’s National Security Law and its impact on freedom of expression.