China has ended its ban on UK parliamentarians from visiting the country, as announced by Keir Starmer. The Chinese government had imposed sanctions in 2021 on several prominent figures, including former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith. The Prime Minister confirmed the lifting of restrictions following discussions with President Xi Jinping.
Speaking in Shanghai, Starmer expressed relief over the resolution, stating that all parliamentarians are now permitted to travel to China. He emphasized the importance of engaging in leader-to-leader dialogue to address such issues effectively.
Starmer hailed President Xi’s decision as a validation of efforts to enhance bilateral relations with China. The sanctions in 2021 targeted nine UK citizens, including MPs and peers, for allegedly spreading misinformation about China. Notably, the sanctions were also imposed on lawyer Sir Geoffrey Nice QC and academic Jo Smith Finley.
While the agreement specifically pertains to parliamentarians, it remains uncertain whether sanctions against the academics and former MP Tim Loughton will be lifted. Prior to the announcement of the sanctions being lifted, the affected politicians had emphasized their commitment to justice for the Uyghur people and rejected any compromise that would prioritize personal convenience over human rights advocacy.