China has ended the ban preventing UK MPs and peers from entering the country, according to an announcement by Keir Starmer. Notable figures like former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith were previously sanctioned by China in 2021. The Prime Minister confirmed the lifting of restrictions following discussions with President Xi Jinping.
During a press briefing in Shanghai, Mr. Starmer expressed Parliament’s concerns, stating that the Chinese government has indicated that the restrictions are no longer in effect. President Xi emphasized that all parliamentarians are now welcome to visit China, attributing this progress to the direct dialogue between leaders.
Mr. Starmer hailed President Xi’s decision as a validation of his efforts to enhance relations with China. He emphasized the importance of face-to-face engagement in addressing sensitive issues and facilitating leader-to-leader discussions.
In 2021, China imposed sanctions on nine UK citizens, including MPs and peers, for allegedly spreading false information about the country. This list included prominent names such as Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Nusrat Ghani, Tom Tugendhat, Neil O’Brien, Baroness Kennedy, and Lord Alton. The sanctions also targeted individuals like lawyer Sir Geoffrey Nice QC and academic Jo Smith Finley.
While the agreement to lift sanctions specifically pertains to parliamentarians, it remains uncertain if the sanctions will be lifted for the academic individuals and former MP Tim Loughton. The sanctioned individuals had previously expressed their stance against using their status as a bargaining tool.
The initial sanctions were a response to the UK government’s actions regarding human rights violations against Uighur Muslims. Then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson had condemned the human rights abuses highlighted by those who were sanctioned.
Before the recent announcement of sanctions being lifted, the affected politicians had emphasized their unwillingness to be used as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. They reaffirmed their commitment to justice for the Uyghur people and solidarity with other targeted individuals and organizations in China.
