Beijing slams UK for 'meddling' in Jimmy Lai trial after British foreign minister meets prominent Hong Kong activist's son

China has condemned the United Kingdom for 'interfering' in the trial of prominent Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai, after British Foreign Minister David Lammy met with Lai's son.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry accused the UK of "grossly interfering" in Hong Kong's affairs and urged it to "immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong's judicial independence and internal affairs."

Lai, a staunch critic of the Chinese government and owner of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was arrested in 2020 under the city's Beijing-imposed national security law.

He has been charged with secession, collusion with foreign forces, and fraud, and is currently in jail awaiting trial.

Lammy met with Lai's son, Timothy Lai, in London on Monday, and expressed his concern about the ongoing trial.

"I am deeply concerned about the ongoing trial of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong," Lammy said in a statement.

"The UK government has consistently called for a fair and transparent trial for Mr. Lai, and we will continue to monitor the case closely."

Beijing's condemnation of the UK's involvement in the Lai case is the latest sign of escalating tensions between the two countries over Hong Kong.

The UK has been critical of China's crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong, and has imposed sanctions on Chinese officials involved in the erosion of the city's freedoms.

China has accused the UK of "meddling" in its internal affairs and has warned of "consequences" if the UK continues to interfere in Hong Kong.

The Lai trial is being closely watched as a test of the independence of Hong Kong's judiciary.

Critics of the national security law say it is being used to silence dissent and suppress opposition to the Chinese government.

The UK government has called on China to uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong and to respect the rights of its citizens.