UK – Reporters Without Borders, Sept. 15, 2025
The son of Jimmy Lai, the British media owner unjustly jailed in Hong Kong for almost five years, has warned his father could die in jail unless the UK Government takes urgent, concrete action to secure his release. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to work with allies — including US President Donald Trump, who will visit the UK this week — to secure Jimmy Lai’s release before it is too late.
Trump’s state visit to the UK on 17-18 September offers a vital opportunity for the two leaders to discuss a joint strategy to secure Jimmy Lai’s freedom. In August, Trump said he would do “everything I can to save” Jimmy Lai, having stated earlier this year that his freedom could form part of US trade talks with China. On the UK side, Starmer has said securing Jimmy Lai’s release is a Government priority, though he has yet to meet Lai’s family to discuss any concrete action. There is precedent for Trump effectively intervening in the cases of wrongfully detained journalists. Last week in Belarus, nine journalists were among a group of political prisoners freed following talks with the US administration.
“The US President’s state visit offers a strategic opportunity to make progress on securing the release of Jimmy Lai, which is all the more urgent given his failing health. It is entirely unacceptable that the British Government has allowed an innocent, elderly British citizen to languish in solitary confinement — and if no action is taken soon, the reality is that he is likely to die there. We therefore call on the UK and US leaders to seize the moment before it is too late.”
Fiona O’Brien
Director, RSF UK
