The politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai, rooted in his right to freedom of expression, remains a major point of tension too. The UK has repeatedly called for the repeal of Hong Kong’s national security law, and Sir Keir says he raised the case in a “respectful discussion” during his visit. Jimmy Lai’s son, Sebastien, urged the Prime Minister to use the visit to defend his father, stressing that “this is not about negotiating a handful of business contacts or extracting a promise of investment.”