China Lifts Sanctions On Six British MPs, Starmer Says During Beijing Visit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in Beijing that China has lifted sanctions on six British members of Parliament, including a travel ban that had restricted their ability to visit the country.

Starmer made the announcement during a diplomatic visit to the Chinese capital and said he raised the issue directly with Chinese officials. "The Chinese are absolutely clear in their response: the restrictions no longer apply," he told reporters. He also said Chinese President Xi Jinping indicated that British parliamentarians would be welcome in China.

Background

Beijing first imposed sanctions in 2021 on nine Britons — a group that included five Conservative ministers and two peers in the House of Lords — after they publicly raised concerns about alleged human-rights abuses against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in northwestern China. The measures included travel bans and other restrictions.

Reaction

Some of the MPs and peers whose sanctions were lifted said they felt "no comfort" from the decision and emphasized they "will not be silenced" on human-rights issues. Sanctions remain in place for others in the original group.

Starmer said the removal of the travel restrictions vindicates his diplomatic approach and that he hopes President Xi will attend the 2027 G20 summit, which Britain is scheduled to host.

International Context

Concerns over the treatment of Uyghurs have prompted criticism and sanctions from several Western governments. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has alleged that China has pressured foreign governments to forcibly return Uyghurs and others, where they may face torture and enforced disappearance.

British officials say the change marks a thaw in relations between London and Beijing, but human-rights advocates and some affected MPs warn that the underlying concerns remain unresolved.