UK Parliamentarians Reinstated After China Lifts Sanctions Amid Xi Jinping Talks
China has lifted sanctions on six serving British MPs and peers, effective immediately, in a significant development that marks a warming of relations between Beijing and Westminster. The move comes as part of landmark talks between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Starmer raised the issue of restrictions imposed on UK parliamentarians.
Nine UK citizens were initially banned from China in 2021 for highlighting human rights abuses against Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The sanctions targeted five Conservative MPs and two members of the House of Lords. According to Starmer, he had "raised that issue whilst I was here" with Xi, who confirmed that all parliamentarians are welcome.
Despite the lifting of sanctions on serving MPs and peers, several individuals remain subject to restrictions. A Newcastle University academic, a barrister, and a former Tory MP, who were also sanctioned in 2021, are among those still under measures, possibly including their families.
Starmer suggested that Xi would be welcomed at the UK-hosted G20 summit next year. The move is seen as a significant development, as relations between China and the UK have been strained in recent times.
US President Donald Trump's comments on Starmer's visit have also added to the complexity of US-China tensions. Trump warned about "danger" for those engaging with Beijing, but dismissed his own comments as more applicable to Canada than the UK.
The lifting of sanctions marks a positive sign for China-UK relations and paves the way for further talks between the two nations.
China has lifted sanctions on six serving British MPs and peers, effective immediately, in a significant development that marks a warming of relations between Beijing and Westminster. The move comes as part of landmark talks between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which Starmer raised the issue of restrictions imposed on UK parliamentarians.
Nine UK citizens were initially banned from China in 2021 for highlighting human rights abuses against Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang. The sanctions targeted five Conservative MPs and two members of the House of Lords. According to Starmer, he had "raised that issue whilst I was here" with Xi, who confirmed that all parliamentarians are welcome.
Despite the lifting of sanctions on serving MPs and peers, several individuals remain subject to restrictions. A Newcastle University academic, a barrister, and a former Tory MP, who were also sanctioned in 2021, are among those still under measures, possibly including their families.
Starmer suggested that Xi would be welcomed at the UK-hosted G20 summit next year. The move is seen as a significant development, as relations between China and the UK have been strained in recent times.
US President Donald Trump's comments on Starmer's visit have also added to the complexity of US-China tensions. Trump warned about "danger" for those engaging with Beijing, but dismissed his own comments as more applicable to Canada than the UK.
The lifting of sanctions marks a positive sign for China-UK relations and paves the way for further talks between the two nations.
I mean, think about it, if we're willing to give our parliamentarians a warm welcome back, why not extend that same hospitality to other nations who've got beef with us? But here's the thing, has Starmer actually achieved anything by meeting up with Xi? Is this just a PR stunt to boost his own image? 
I'm all for building bridges with China, but we gotta keep our wits about us and make sure we're not getting taken advantage of in the process. This whole thing is like a game of chess, where you never know what's gonna happen next. Can't wait to see how this all plays out! 
like, what was holding them back all these years? also, starmer's visit must've been super diplomatic 
. It's a big deal, I think. Relations have been pretty tense between China and the UK in recent years. But now, with Xi Jinping visiting and all, it seems like we're getting back to some sort of normalcy.
. It's not just about politics either; it's about people being able to travel and do their jobs without restrictions. I mean, think about all the academics, lawyers, and politicians who were affected by those sanctions 
.
️ The fact that China has lifted sanctions on our parliamentarians is definitely a positive sign for trade and diplomatic ties between our two countries 
. Now we just have to see where these talks lead 
just when u thought china was gonna chill out on the uk, it turns out they're still gonna keep an eye on them parliamentarians lol what's the point of lifting sanctions if they're just gonna come back? like, 6 out of 9 didn't get a free pass, some people are still stuck. and don't even get me started on xi Jinping being welcome at the g20 summit next year... like, isn't that just a fancy way of saying 'they're still gonna keep an eye on you'? 
meanwhile, starmer is basically saying china gets to decide who's welcome in their parliament, that's straight up authoritarian 
I'm loving this turn of events! China lifting sanctions on our parliamentarians is like, totally a win-win for both countries 
. And with Xi Jinping on board, it's looking like we might see some actual progress on those human rights issues... fingers crossed! 
The G20 summit next year could be super interesting, especially with Trump weighing in 
. Can't wait to see what other positive developments come out of these talks! 
it's about time they cool things down between us and china 
xi Jinping seems like a cool dude now 
keir starmer must've done some serious negotiating skills 