China is preparing to revoke sanctions imposed on a group of British lawmakers, as confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer today, allowing them the freedom to visit China. Starmer disclosed this development during his official trip to China, marking the first visit by a UK leader in eight years with the objective of enhancing relations, despite persistent concerns regarding espionage, human rights violations, and related issues.
The Prime Minister informed the BBC that he discussed the sanctioned lawmakers’ situation with China’s President Xi Jinping, who assured him that the “restrictions no longer apply.” Starmer quoted President Xi affirming that all parliamentarians are now welcome to visit China. He emphasized the importance of addressing challenging and sensitive topics while engaging in dialogue to seize opportunities.
In 2021, China imposed sanctions on nine Britons, including Iain Duncan Smith, the former head of the Conservative Party, on allegations of disseminating “lies and disinformation” regarding purported human rights violations in Xinjiang. Starmer’s spokesperson clarified that the UK would not reciprocate by lifting sanctions on Chinese individuals in response to the British lawmakers’ sanctions being lifted.
A portion of the sanctioned British lawmakers expressed their preference to maintain sanctions rather than be utilized as a bargaining tool to justify Chinese officials’ removal from the UK’s sanctions list. The group, which includes former security minister Tom Tugendhat, conveyed their stance through a statement, rejecting any deal that prioritizes their convenience over seeking justice for the Uyghur people.
Notably, China previously lifted sanctions on members of the European Parliament and its human rights subcommittee last year.
