The family of Jimmy Lai, the jailed Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon, has appealed for urgent intervention as his health reportedly deteriorates in custody. Sebastien Lai, his son, has called on UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take immediate action to secure his father’s release.

Jimmy Lai, 78, has been imprisoned since December 2020 and was sentenced in February to 20 years behind bars after being convicted of national security offences linked to his role in publishing articles through Apple Daily, a newspaper he founded in 1995. Lai has denied all charges, asserting that he is being politically persecuted by Chinese authorities. His family has described the lengthy sentence as a “death sentence,” citing concerns over his worsening health condition while held in solitary confinement.

In a letter sent to Burnham on August 21, Sebastien Lai detailed his father’s declining state, reporting that he suffers from diabetes and heart problems and is enduring extreme heat in his prison cell. The letter called for the Prime Minister's leadership in advocating for Jimmy Lai’s freedom, highlighting his British citizenship and stressing the urgency amid "record-breaking temperatures" and limited engagement with prison authorities. Sebastien Lai expressed fear that unless swift action is taken, his father may die in custody.

Despite awaiting a response from the Prime Minister, Sebastien Lai noted no reply has been received to date. The younger Lai, who resides in London, conveyed his distress over the situation, stating he lives each day in fear of receiving bad news about his father. He also criticized past UK governments for insufficiently addressing his father's plight.

Separately, the UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband has reportedly raised Jimmy Lai's case during discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, although no breakthroughs have yet been confirmed. Hong Kong authorities have denied allegations of mistreatment, maintaining that Lai is receiving appropriate medical care.

A spokesperson for the UK government reaffirmed that Jimmy Lai’s case remains a priority for Prime Minister Burnham and his administration but provided no additional details on any forthcoming interventions. The family continues to urge urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration of Lai’s health and to secure his release.