Starmer raises concern over jailed activist Jimmy Lai in landmark talks with China’s Xi

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Brazil, the prime minister told Mr Xi: “I’m very pleased that my foreign secretary and foreign minister Wang met recently to discuss respective concerns including on human rights and parliamentary sanctions, Taiwan, the South China Sea and our shared interest in Hong Kong. “We are concerned by reports of Jimmy Lai’s deterioration.” open image in gallery The PM said the UK will be a ‘predictable, consistent, sovereign actor’ The prime minister said he wanted to engage with China “honestly and frankly on those areas where we have different perspectives”, as well as signalling a desire for greater business co-operation. Asked if he wanted a better relationship with Beijing than previous governments ahead of the meeting, Sir Keir said: “Given the size of the economy it is very important that we have a pragmatic and serious relationship and that’s what I intend to pursue.” open image in gallery The foreign secretary visited China in October However, the move is likely to spark concern from some in Westminster who are sceptical of closer relations with Beijing amid human rights and national security worries. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin In a statement ahead of the summit, the prime minister said: “It is in the UK’s best interests to engage on the global stage – whether that’s building strong and fruitful partnerships with our closest allies or being frank with those whose values differ from our own.