Beijing: In a landmark development for UK-China relations, China has announced the removal of travel restrictions that were previously imposed on several British parliamentarians. The announcement was made by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his official visit to Beijing, marking the first visit by a British prime minister to China in nearly eight years.
The decision restores the freedom of movement for the targeted lawmakers, who were earlier barred from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Prime Minister Starmer described the development as “a constructive step forward” in strengthening diplomatic engagement and creating avenues for dialogue between the two nations.
The sanctions against the British parliamentarians were introduced in 2021, following UK sanctions on Chinese officials linked to alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Beijing had responded by restricting entry for nine UK lawmakers, imposing travel bans, and limiting business interactions. Officials at the time framed the measures as retaliation against what they described as “misleading statements” by the UK regarding human rights concerns.
Among those affected were notable figures including former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith, former security minister Tom Tugendhat, and several cross-party members of both the House of Commons and House of Lords, all of whom had actively criticized Beijing’s policies in Xinjiang.
During his four-day visit, Prime Minister Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping, where he personally raised the issue of the travel bans. Following discussions, President Xi confirmed that the restrictions no longer apply, allowing the previously sanctioned UK lawmakers to travel to China without hindrance.
Despite the lifting of these restrictions, the UK government clarified that existing sanctions on Chinese officials accused of rights violations remain in force. Starmer emphasized that the decision by Beijing was not tied to any change in the UK’s human rights stance or sanction policies.
The news has generated mixed reactions within Westminster. While some welcomed the easing of travel restrictions as a positive diplomatic signal, others expressed caution. Several of the previously sanctioned MPs voiced scepticism, warning against interpreting the move as a diplomatic concession that could undermine human rights advocacy. Many stressed that engagement with China should not dilute pressure on Beijing regarding the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and other sensitive human rights issues.
Analysts view Starmer’s visit and the lifting of sanctions as a pragmatic attempt by the UK to balance economic interests with security and human rights priorities. The prime minister’s itinerary has also included discussions on trade cooperation, visa facilitation for UK citizens, and other measures to deepen bilateral ties.
This development signals a possible thaw in UK-China relations, reflecting London’s approach of cautious engagement while maintaining principled stances on global human rights and security concerns. Observers note that this move comes at a critical time as Western nations recalibrate strategies towards China amid rising geopolitical and economic competition.