Summary
During a visit to China, sanctions were lifted on Baroness Helena Kennedy and other UK parliamentarians who had criticized China's human rights record. The move was part of efforts to improve UK-China relations, though some critics believe not enough was achieved, especially regarding human rights issues like the case of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai.
Key Facts
- Baroness Helena Kennedy was sanctioned by China in 2021 for speaking against its treatment of the Uyghur minority.
- During the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's visit to China, these sanctions were lifted.
- Critics, including Baroness Kennedy, believe the sanctions' removal is insufficient without addressing wider human rights issues.
- The UK Prime Minister discussed human rights issues, including the case of imprisoned pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, with China's President Xi Jinping.
- This was the first visit to China by a UK prime minister since 2018.
- As a result of the visit, China will halve import taxes on British whisky starting next week.
- There is still no agreed start date for a deal on visa-free travel for British citizens to China.
- Some UK politicians remain critical of the UK's diplomatic gains from the visit.
