David Cameron calls for pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai to be released by China ahead of his trial in Hong Kong

David Cameron has called for the release of British pro-democracy newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai ahead of his trial in Hong Kong.

The Foreign Secretary criticised charges against Mr Lai, 76, who faces a life sentence if convicted under a national security law imposed by China following Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Mr Lai is charged with colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to publish seditious publications.

Calling for an end to the ‘politically motivated prosecution’, Lord Cameron said the national security law broke China’s international commitments, adding: ‘It has damaged Hong Kong. I call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their prosecution and release Jimmy Lai.’

Mr Lai founded Hong Kong’s now defunct Apple Daily newspaper but was arrested in 2020 during a crackdown on the city’s pro-democracy movement.