Uyghur Exiles in UK Voice 'Betrayal' Over Starmer's Diplomatic Trip to China
Uyghur activists residing in exile in London have launched scathing criticism against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, accusing him of a profound moral reversal during his three-day diplomatic mission to China. The visit, which marks the first by a UK leader since 2018, has sparked intense controversy given Labour's previous strong stance on China's treatment of the Uyghur minority.
Activists Condemn 'Cosy' Trade Talks Amid Genocide Allegations
Rahima Mahmut and Aziz Isa Elkun, prominent Uyghur campaigners based in the UK capital, have expressed feelings of deep betrayal over what they perceive as Starmer's prioritisation of economic ties over human rights principles. Rahima, who fled China in 2000, told Metro: 'Claiming economic benefit while shaking hands with those responsible for mass repression sends a devastating message to victims.'
This sentiment echoes broader concerns within the Uyghur diaspora community, which had placed significant hope in the Labour government following its 2024 election victory. During opposition years, Labour had supported a Commons motion formally recognising China's actions in Xinjiang as genocide, with senior figures including then Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy pledging international legal action.
Historical Context of China's Xinjiang Policies
China has maintained extensive detention facilities in the north-western Xinjiang region for years, housing the predominantly Muslim Uyghur population under conditions that have drawn global condemnation. Multiple international bodies have documented allegations including:
- Systematic torture and ill-treatment
- Forced labour programmes
- Sexual abuse within detention camps
- Cultural and religious suppression
The United States State Department and the UK-based Uyghur Tribunal have both characterised these practices as genocide, though China vehemently denies all accusations. Just seven days before Starmer's visit, the United Nations Human Rights Commission reiterated deep concern about persistent forced labour allegations against Uyghur and other minority groups.
Personal Testimonies Highlight Human Cost
Rahima Mahmut's personal story underscores the human tragedy behind the geopolitical discussions. She has had no contact with family members in China since January 2017, when her brother told her during their final phone call to 'Leave us in God's hand.' She later discovered he spent over two years rotating between three different detention camps, while other relatives reportedly died in Chinese custody.
Aziz Isa Elkun, who left Xinjiang in 1999, endured seven years of uncertainty about his mother's fate after she was placed in a camp in 2018. Although released after six months, communication remains severely restricted, with their last conversation mediated by Chinese police officers. Aziz also described discovering through Google Earth that his family home had been demolished just three years after his father's death in 2017.
Diplomatic Engagement Versus Moral Principles
While Metro understands Starmer did raise Uyghur treatment and the detention of pro-democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai during talks with President Xi Jinping, activists argue such diplomatic gestures are insufficient. Rahima, who serves as executive director of Stop Uyghur Genocide, stated: 'When Labour was in opposition, senior ministers promised a tougher stance on China. That moral clarity appears to have been abandoned in favour of pragmatic engagement and trade rhetoric.'
Aziz was more blunt in his assessment: 'Shame on him. Shame on Labour. Labour is meant to be concerned about human rights and be on the side of oppressed people. I feel betrayed. I feel betrayed for humanity.' He called for concrete actions including demanding the release of all Uyghur detainees and addressing forced labour practices.
Economic Agreements Amidst Controversy
The diplomatic visit yielded significant economic agreements, including visa-free travel for UK citizens visiting China for business or tourism for stays under 30 days. Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca committed to a substantial £10.9 billion investment in China through 2030, highlighting the commercial priorities underpinning the trip.
A Downing Street spokesperson emphasised the visit's strategic importance, stating both leaders affirmed their commitment to 'building a consistent, long-term, and strategic partnership that will benefit both countries.' The spokesperson added that Starmer maintained 'frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement' while pursuing cooperation on mutual interests.
Broader Implications for UK Foreign Policy
This controversy raises fundamental questions about how governments balance human rights concerns with economic and diplomatic realities. The Uyghur activists argue that without meaningful consequences, China will continue its repressive policies, with Rahima warning: 'This trip is a propaganda opportunity for the Chinese government to claim that everything is normal. When there are no consequences, then it will continue.'
The situation places Starmer's government in a difficult position, attempting to navigate between maintaining Britain's traditional advocacy for human rights while securing economic advantages through engagement with a global superpower. How this balance is struck may define UK-China relations for years to come, with the Uyghur community watching closely for any shift from rhetoric to substantive action.
