Media Freedom Coalition

Lord Scriven Excerpts

Wednesday 25th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I am sure that that will be the case. As we have said many times—I know that we all agree with this, but it is worth repeating—Jimmy Lai should not be imprisoned and should be released immediately.

[Lord Scriven (LD)]

My Lords, if the Government are going to use their position as chair of the coalition, what action will they take with regards to members who potentially break the founding pledge? Two members in particular—Serbia is one—have done things potentially in breach of that pledge. What action will the Government take to ensure that, if you are in the club, you have to abide by the rules of the club?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Welcome to multilateralism—it does throw up these issues from time to time. Personally, I take the view that being in the club gives you a greater chance of being able to exert influence and have those very direct conversations face to face rather than less directly. But each case should be taken on its merits, and the decisions on any such issues must be taken collectively.