British MP Deported from Djibouti Due to Alleged Chinese Influence
In a shocking turn of events, Conservative MP Tim Loughton reveals he was deported during a recent trip to Djibouti, citing the country’s close ties to China as the reason behind his expulsion.
Loughton, who represents East Worthing and Shoreham, recounts being detained for over seven hours and denied entry into Djibouti earlier this month, describing the experience as “very lonely and frightening”.
China’s foreign office quickly dismissed the allegations as baseless, but Loughton stands by his claims.
During his brief 24-hour visit to Djibouti, which included a meeting with the British ambassador, Loughton’s troubles began when his passport was scanned and he was questioned about his occupation.
“I told them I was a member of parliament and then it went all very frosty,” he recounted during an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
He went on to explain, “Djibouti is effectively a vassal state of China – what China wants, Djibouti kowtows to and having a troublesome MP who has been sanctioned by China turning up on their doorstep was clearly something they didn’t want to entertain.”
As a result, Loughton was promptly put on the next available flight out of the country, leaving him feeling outraged by what he perceives as Chinese interference in African affairs.
Reflecting on the incident, he shared, “This was another example of how the tentacles of the Chinese Communist Government extend far and wide, and their malign influence in sensitive parts of Africa is particularly worrying.”
Furthermore, Loughton expressed concerns about the intimidation faced by individuals who speak out against China’s human rights abuses, highlighting the need for greater awareness and accountability.
In 2021, China imposed sanctions on five UK MPs, including Loughton, for their criticism of the country’s actions, particularly regarding the treatment of the Uighur Muslim minority group.
Loughton, who co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Tibet, has been a vocal advocate for human rights in China and introduced the Reciprocal Access Bill to address issues related to Tibet.
As a key member of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, he is dedicated to promoting reform in how democratic nations engage with China on various issues.
Despite his long-standing career in parliament, Loughton has announced he will not seek re-election in the next general election, signaling a shift in his focus towards advocating for human rights and challenging Chinese influence on the global stage. — BBC
