UK report urges release of Jimmy Lai; Hong Kong rebukes “despicable” interference
The UK has called for the immediate release of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai in its latest Six-Monthly Report on Hong Kong, prompting a sharp rebuke from the Hong Kong government, which accused London of making “misleading and irresponsible remarks” about the city’s affairs.
- The UK’s latest Six-Monthly Report on Hong Kong urges the release of jailed media tycoon Jimmy Lai and warns of continued erosion of freedoms under the national security law.
- Hong Kong’s government condemned the report, accusing London of “political manoeuvres” and interference in China’s internal affairs.
- The report also highlighted arrests, party dissolutions, and concerns over transnational repression targeting activists abroad.
The United Kingdom has renewed calls for the release of imprisoned Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai in its latest Six-Monthly Report on Hong Kong, released on 23 October 2025.
The report, which reviews developments between January and June 2025, accused Hong Kong authorities of undermining rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who assumed office last month, said the report reflected “the UK’s ongoing commitment to monitor the situation in Hong Kong,” adding that the erosion of democratic rights and civil liberties remained “deeply concerning.”
Cooper noted that Hong Kong continued to maintain autonomy in its economic, monetary, and financial systems.
However, she cited the dissolution of the Democratic Party and the League of Social Democrats, the prosecution of activist Joshua Wong, and the continued detention of Jimmy Lai as evidence of “a narrowing political space.”
The report stated that Lai’s ongoing trial under the national security law was “politically motivated,” calling for his “immediate and unconditional release.”
It also referenced the 52-day testimony phase of Lai’s trial, with a verdict expected in November. Lai, a British citizen, faces charges of colluding with foreign forces under Beijing’s sweeping security legislation.
The report further raised concerns over transnational repression, noting that Hong Kong authorities had issued new arrest warrants for overseas activists and detained the father of US-based activist Anna Kwok.
Cooper described such actions as “intimidation that poses an unacceptable threat to UK sovereignty and national security.”
In April, UK Member of Parliament Wera Hobhouse was denied entry to Hong Kong when attempting to visit family.
The report described the incident as “damaging to the city’s reputation as an open and international metropolis.”
Hobhouse herself told reporters the denial was “an effort to silence critics of China.”
The document also highlighted the city’s declining press freedom ranking and increasing pressure on independent journalists, citing simultaneous tax audits and backdated demands faced by at least six independent media outlets.
It further noted that Hong Kong had not held a public vigil for the Tiananmen anniversary for six consecutive years, with at least ten people detained in June for alleged unauthorised commemorations.
On legislative matters, the report mentioned the introduction of new offences under Hong Kong’s domestic security law and a joint operation between the city’s Security Bureau and the Office for Safeguarding National Security — the first of its kind — to investigate suspected “collusion with foreign forces.”
The Hong Kong government responded forcefully on Friday, condemning the UK’s findings as “misleading, irresponsible and politically motivated.”
It asserted that Hong Kong’s courts continued to exercise “independent judicial power” and defended the implementation of the “patriots-only” electoral system as essential to “good governance.”
“The core essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong,” the statement said.
“It did not authorise the UK to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs after its return to the motherland.”
Officials accused London of “glorifying criminal behaviour” and attempting to “exert pressure on Hong Kong’s judiciary,” calling such behaviour a “despicable political manoeuvre.”
The statement added that Hong Kong continued to safeguard “press freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.”
In her preface to the report, Cooper reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to upholding the rights of Hong Kong people and its British National (Overseas) visa pathway, emphasising that the UK “will continue to support Hongkongers building new lives in Britain.”
She also stressed that “hundreds of thousands have already chosen to leave Hong Kong for places where freedoms are better protected.”
While acknowledging Hong Kong’s continuing strength as an international financial and maritime hub, the report concluded that the overall trajectory of governance and civil liberties “remains a cause for deep concern.”
