Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC leads the international legal team representing Mr Lai, who was convicted in December 2025 under the controversial National Security Law (NSL) imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing.

The conviction relates to Mr Lai’s work as editor and publisher of the popular, pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily and his advocacy for democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, said the 20-year sentence for 78-year-old Mr Lai — who is a UK citizen, though China does not recognise this — is “tantamount to a life sentence”.

“I remain deeply concerned for Mr Lai’s health, and I again call on the Hong Kong authorities to end his appalling ordeal and release him on humanitarian grounds, so that he may be reunited with his family,” she said.

The EU also today condemned the “heavy prison sentence”.

“The EU reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jimmy Lai, also in consideration of his advanced age and health condition,” foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper said.

“The politically motivated prosecution of Jimmy Lai and the former Apple Daily executives and journalists harms Hong Kong’s reputation.

“The EU calls on the Hong Kong authorities to restore confidence in press freedom in Hong Kong, one of the pillars of its historic success as an international financial centre, and to stop prosecuting journalists.”

Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), said: “The rule of law has been completely shattered in Hong Kong.

“Today’s egregious decision is the final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong. The international community must step up its pressure to free Jimmy Lai if we want press freedom to be respected anywhere in the world.”

Prison sentences of between six and 10 years have also been imposed on six former colleagues of Mr Lai.