The UK has called for the immediate release of media tycoon and British national Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong, describing his case as a “politically motivated prosecution”.

Speaking at the start of Lai’s trial which is taking place on Monday 18 December 2023, Foreign Secretary David Cameron criticised China’s national security law saying that the government was “gravely concerned” for anyone facing prosecution under the widely-criticised law introduced in 2020.

He said: “Hong Kong’s National Security Law is a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Its continued existence and use is a demonstration of China breaking its international commitments.

“It has damaged Hong Kong, with rights and freedoms significantly eroded. Arrests under the law have silenced opposition voices.

“I am gravely concerned that anyone is facing prosecution under the National Security Law, and particularly concerned at the politically motivated prosecution of British national Jimmy Lai.”

Describing Lai as a “prominent and outspoken journalist and publisher”, the Foreign Secretary called for his immediate release, describing his incarceration since 2020 as an attack on freedom of expression.

He added: “[Lai] has been targeted in a clear attempt to stop the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and association.

“I urge the Chinese authorities to repeal the National Security Law and end the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.

“I call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their prosecution and release Jimmy Lai.”

In May 2023, the Society of Editors joined more than 100 media leaders worldwide calling for Lai’s release. The founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, Lai has been one of the most prominent Hong Kong critics of the

Chinese Communist Party and has faced prosecution since a wave of pro-democracy protests in 2019.