In this episode of “Let’s Talk”, we speak with Blair McDougall, Labour MP for East Renfrewshire and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Hong Kong and Uyghurs. McDougall, who introduced the Jimmy Lai Bill in the UK Parliament, advocates for legal consular access for British journalists and a special envoy for those unfairly detained abroad.

As a Labour Party member, McDougall calls for a stronger UK stance against China’s human rights violations, breaches of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, and transnational repression. However, he believes the UK should also continue trade with China, as long as there are clear red lines on human rights and democratic values.

He suggests that China should face consequences, such as blocking the proposed Chinese mega-embassy in London, revoking the special status of the Hong Kong Trade and Economic Office and imposing stricter screening of Chinese diplomats in the UK.

Despite his advocacy, McDougall is worried about Hongkongers reclaiming their Mandatory Provident Fund, even with indefinite leave to remain in the UK or UK citizenship.