The Conviction of British Citizen and Pro-democracy Publisher, Jimmy Lai

That the Parliament condemns the reported conviction of the British citizen and pro-democracy publisher, Jimmy Lai, under Hong Kong’s national security and sedition laws; understands with grave concern that Mr Lai now faces the prospect of life imprisonment, following a trial widely criticised by international human rights and press freedom organisations and described as politically motivated; considers that the case represents a serious erosion of press freedom, judicial independence and the rights guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration; expresses solidarity with Mr Lai, his family and journalists and pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong; considers that the prosecution forms part of a broader campaign by the Chinese Communist Party to suppress dissent and independent media in Hong Kong, and calls on the UK Government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure Mr Lai’s immediate release and to continue to defend freedom of expression, the rule of law and human rights in Hong Kong and internationally.