Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Cameron demands release of Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai

British citizen Lai, 76, is charged with several counts of “colluding with foreign forces”

Cameron demands release of Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai

Foreign minister David Cameron called upon Hong Kong authorities on Sunday (17) to cease the "politically-motivated" prosecution of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who faced trial on Monday (18) on charges of national security crimes.

British citizen Lai, 76, is charged with several counts of "colluding with foreign forces", a crime under a national security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing in 2020 following massive pro-democracy protests.


Cameron said in a press release that he was "particularly concerned at the politically-motivated prosecution" of Lai.

"As a prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher, Jimmy Lai has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association.

"I call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their prosecution and release Jimmy Lai," he said.

Cameron oversaw a deepening of relations with Beijing when he served as prime minster between 2010 and 2016, and hosted China's leader Xi Jinping for a state visit in 2015, but relations soured dramatically after his departure.

And his comments are not likely to go down well in Beijing, which last week accused Britain of having "malicious intentions" toward Hong Kong after Cameron met with Lai's son Sebastian in London on Tuesday.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urged the UK to "earnestly respect the facts and the rule of law, and stop meddling in Hong Kong issues and China's internal affairs".

Britain is the former colonial power in Hong Kong, handing over control to China in 1997.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai In this picture taken on June 16, 2020, millionaire media tycoon Jimmy Lai, 72, poses during an interview with AFP at the Next Digital offices in Hong Kong - (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP via Getty Images)


Cameron said the national security law under which Lai is being prosecuted was a "demonstration of China breaking its international commitments.

"It has damaged Hong Kong, with rights and freedoms significantly eroded. Arrests under the law have silenced opposition voices," he said.

"I urge the Chinese authorities to repeal the National Security Law and end the prosecution of all individuals charged under it."

If convicted, Lai faces up to life in prison.

The law aimed to quash dissent, and prominent opposition lawmakers and democracy activists in the semi-autonomous city have either fled abroad or been jailed in the three years since its passage.

(AFP)

More For You

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case
Bhim Kohli

Court to review teen's sentence in Bhim Kohli case

THE seven-year prison sentence handed to a 15-year-old boy convicted of the manslaughter of 80-year-old Bhim Sen Kohli is to be reviewed under the UK’s Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

The Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Friday (5) that the teenager’s sentence will now be considered by the Court of Appeal.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama attends a prayer meet held for his long life at the Dalai Lama temple in the northern hill town of Dharamshala, India, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Dalai Lama hopes to live 'beyond 130 years'

THE Dalai Lama said on Saturday (5) he hopes to live until he is more than 130 years old, two decades longer than his previous prediction, following his assurance to followers that he would reincarnate as the spiritual head of the faith upon his death.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was speaking during a ceremony organised by his followers to offer prayers for his long life, ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday (6), and as China insists it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama told Reuters in December he might live to 110.

Keep ReadingShow less
UK heatwave by mid-July

Daytime temperatures meeting or exceeding set thresholds of 25°C

iStock

Met Office warns of potential third UK heatwave by mid-July

Key points

  • Met Office forecasts rising temperatures by mid-July
  • Possible third heatwave after record-breaking June
  • High pressure system likely to bring hot air from the Atlantic
  • Yellow rain warning and flood alerts issued in parts of Scotland and Cumbria

Possible heatwave to return by mid-July

The UK could experience its third heatwave in a month by mid-July, the Met Office has said. Forecasters expect rising heat and humidity during the second weekend of July, following two weekends of unusually warm weather in late June.

June was officially the hottest on record in England, and the return of high temperatures could mean another heatwave for parts of the country. However, the Met Office cautioned that it is too early to confirm how hot conditions will get.

Keep ReadingShow less
crypto

Two men have been jailed for defrauding investors of £1.5 million through a fake crypto investment scheme. (Representational image: iStock)

iStock

Two jailed over £1.5m crypto investment scam

TWO people who duped investors of £1.5 million by selling fake investments in crypto have been jailed for 12 years, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said.

Raymondip Bedi, of Bromley, and Patrick Mavanga, of Peckham, conned at least 65 people by cold-calling them between February 2017 and June 2019. They operated companies including CCX Capital and Astaria Group LLP.

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less