Jimmy Lai must be free: Bobby demands action for jailed British journalist

Carshalton and Wallington MP Bobby Dean, has delivered a speech in Parliament calling for urgent government action to secure the release of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and pro-democracy advocate unjustly imprisoned in Hong Kong since 2020.

Speaking in a debate on British nationals detained abroad, Bobby described Mr Lai as a "courageous journalist, a businessman and a tireless advocate for democracy." He condemned the injustice of Mr Lai's detention, stating to the House that for nearly two years, he has endured solitary confinement, yet his “crime is nothing more than speaking up for the freedom and democracy we all believe in.”

Highlighting the human cost behind the headlines, Bobby spoke of a recent meeting with Jimmy Lai's son, Sebastien. He described it as a "privilege" to hear the firsthand story of his father's resistance. He told fellow MPs it was a "powerful reminder that behind every political prisoner is a resilient family enduring unimaginable emotional pain," and paid tribute to Sebastien for continuing his father’s work with the same courage.

Pressing for government accountability, Bobby Dean challenged the Minister on the effectiveness of UK diplomatic efforts. He expressed concern that the case was being treated with "'by the way' diplomacy" and had not been raised in "enough serious detail" during high-profile visits with Chinese officials. "This man has risked everything for the values we hold dear, yet the UK Government have failed to secure his release for the last five years," he said, demanding a full update on the conversations held with Chinese counterparts.