Tim Loughton – one of 7 MPs and peers sanctioned by Beijing for speaking out against its “genocide” against Uyghur Muslims – called the decision “an insult to the memory and dignity of our Queen”. “It is unbelievable that the government would consider inviting representatives of the Chinese government to attend such an important international event as the State Funeral,” he told the Independent. Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, called the invitation “stunning” and “project kowtow all again” – pointing out that the governments of Russia, Belarus and Myanmar have been banned. A letter has been sent to both the Speakers of the Commons and the Lords calling for Chinese representatives to be barred from the Palace of Westminster after parliament voted to recognize the genocide. The Independent understands the Queen will not be allowed to lie in state at Westminster Hall, where her body will lie in state until the funeral opposite Westminster Abbey on Monday. Xi was personally invited to the funeral, although he was never expected to attend. The Chinese leader is leaving his country this week for the first time since the Covid pandemic broke out – to meet Vladimir Putin in Uzbekistan. James Cleverley, the foreign secretary, told a colleague that the invitation was only to the Chinese ambassador – in what would have been a major diplomatic blunder – but the Foreign Office said he was mistaken. Beijing sparked outrage last year when it imposed sanctions on lawmakers and counterparts who are outspoken in their criticism of the harsh treatment of Uyghurs in the remote Xinjiang region. It came in response to sanctions by Britain, the US, Canada and the European Union on Chinese officials held responsible for widespread human rights abuses. This action followed reports of a million people being held without trial and allegations of torture and rape in “re-education” camps in the province. The letter to parliament speakers, seen by The Independent and signed by Mr Loughton, Sir Iain and colleagues Helena Kennedy and David Alton, calls any access to Westminster “totally inappropriate”. It states: “Given that the UK Parliament has voted to recognize the genocide committed by the Chinese government against the Uyghur people, it is extraordinary that the architects of that genocide should be treated any more favorably than those countries that have been blocked. “ Mr Loughton added: “It is an affront to the memory and dignity of our Queen if they are to be treated on an equal footing with the vast majority of other countries who understand and abide by international rules of law.” And Sir Iain asked: “How can they ban Belarus, Russia and Myanmar and not say no to China? Do they have a huge record of human rights abuses, including what we believe is genocide, smashing churches and persecution of Christians?’
