Starmer must not subvert national security in pursuit of a trade deal

EMBARGO: 22:30 Wednesday 28th January

As Keir Starmer's visit to China continues, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Calum Miller MP, said: 

“In Beijing, Keir Starmer needs to tell President Xi that the UK will not tolerate China’s continued political interference in the UK and its repression of the rights of British citizens and British passport holders. 

“He must call publicly for the release of Jimmy Lai, who is due to be sentenced soon for his bravery in speaking up against the CCP's abuses.

“He must also challenge Xi personally on the bounties which have been raised against Hong Kong activists in the UK, and explain why Parliamentarians, such as my colleague Wera Hobhouse, have been refused entry, without any explanation.

“Liberal Democrats understand that the UK has to have a relationship with China. The botched Brexit deal authored by the Conservatives and Reform has put mountains of red tape between UK businesses and trade with our nearest partners. We can have no certainty about our alliance with the US under the unreliable leadership of President Trump. So the UK has to engage with clear-sight in our interactions with China’s huge economy. 

"Yet Starmer's strategy towards Beijing has been all give and no take. His greenlighting of the Chinese super-embassy in the heart of London presents an open door for the ramping up of Chinese spying in our country. The Prime Minister must reassure us all that he will not subvert national security fully to pursue of a trade deal ."

ENDS