Launch of Labour Friends of Taiwan

20 March 2023

 

MPs and Peers belonging to the UK Labour Party have today announced the launch of Labour Friends of Taiwan, a new group aiming to build friendship, exchange and solidarity between the Labour movement and the people of Taiwan.

 

Labour Friends of Taiwan is chaired by Judith Cummins MP and Lord Leong CBE and aims to expand its membership both within the Parliamentary Labour Party and grassroot Labour activists. Over the coming months the group will plan a series of events to raise the profile of Taiwan within the Labour Party, including by facilitating exchange between Labour MPs and Peers and their parliamentary colleagues in Taiwan.

 

The inaugural meeting of the group, taking place today in the House of Lords, was attended by Taiwan’s Representative to the UK, Kelly Hsieh; Catherine West MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Asia; and other Labour MPs and Peers. 

 

The launch of the group comes amidst a growing spotlight on the UK’s policy towards Taiwan. The UK government’s Integrated Review Refresh, published last week, warned that the Chinese government’s increasingly aggressive stance towards Taiwan poses a major danger to global stability. 

 

Judith Cummins MP said: 

 

“In an increasingly uncertain world, building friendship, exchange and solidarity with the people of Taiwan has never been more important. Taiwan is a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific that shares our democratic values. The Labour Party – as a government in waiting – must stand resolutely behind the people of Taiwan as they come under increasing pressure from Beijing.” 

 

Lord Leong CBE said: 

 

“Taiwan is a vibrant, progressive and open democracy. It was the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage and has a thriving civil society space with active trade unions and environmental movements. Our Labour movement must not only support Taiwan, but also has much to learn from Taiwan as we seek to reinvigorate our country after 13 years of Tory neglect.”