The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)

I thank both noble Lords for what they have said, particularly about Jimmy Lai himself—he truly is a remarkable person. I have not had the privilege of meeting him, but I know that many in this House have done so and consider him a very dear friend. What he has done throughout his life is truly extraordinary. The fact that, at 78 years of age, he finds himself in this terrible situation, for doing nothing other than standing up for democracy, is shocking. The Government are clear that he should be released immediately because his detention is politically motivated and there is no just reason to detain him in prison for a single minute longer. The Government summoned the Chinese ambassador when the verdict was given. We have demanded that Jimmy Lai is released immediately. We are continuing to demand consular access, which has not been provided to date. We had senior officials attend the trial in order to make the point that the UK Government are watching this very closely. We raise this with partners, including the United States. We have raised this at every level with the Chinese as well. On the issue of the embassy, clearly, the decision to allow China to use the former Royal Mint was made under the previous Government. Now, it is subject to decisions to be made by MHCLG, and that process is ongoing. The Prime Minister has raised this personally, and he will continue to do so. In addition to those questions, the noble Lord, Lord Oates, asked about transnational repression, and that is clearly of deep concern to the Government. We are committed to supporting all members of the Hong Kong community who have used their right to relocate here to the UK. We are clear that any attempts by any foreign Governments, and that includes China, to coerce, intimidate or harm their critics here are completely unacceptable. Freedom of speech and other fundamental rights of all people in the UK are protected under our domestic laws.