China has ended the ban on British MPs and peers from visiting the country, as announced by Keir Starmer. The decision follows discussions between the UK Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping, resulting in the lifting of restrictions imposed on several prominent figures, including former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith in 2021.

In a statement from Shanghai, Starmer expressed relief over the development, highlighting the significance of leader-to-leader engagement in resolving such issues. The decision by President Xi to lift the restrictions was seen as a validation of efforts to enhance diplomatic relations with China.

In 2021, China imposed sanctions on nine UK citizens, including five MPs and two peers, for allegedly spreading falsehoods about the country. The list of sanctioned individuals included politicians from both the Conservative and Labour parties, as well as legal and academic figures. While the agreement to lift sanctions specifically pertains to parliamentarians, it remains unclear whether the sanctions on the two academics and former MP Tim Loughton will also be revoked.

Prior to the announcement of the sanctions being lifted, the affected politicians had expressed their opposition to using their status as a bargaining tool. In a joint statement, they emphasized their commitment to seeking justice for the Uyghur people and rejected any deal that prioritizes personal convenience over addressing human rights violations. They stood in solidarity with others targeted by China and vowed not to accept selective reprieves that exclude certain individuals or organizations.