Dozens of pro-democracy activists have been jailed in Hong Kong - just hours after Sir Keir Starmer told Chinas Xi Jinping he wanted to deepen ties with Beijing.
A total of 45 people were jailed by Hong Kongs High Court for up to 10 years after a trial under controversial national security laws imposed on the territory by China.
They were among a group known as the Hong Kong 47 who were arrested and charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion ahead of a general election.
Two of the 47 were previously acquitted after a 118-day trial. The prosecution has been widely criticised as politically motivated.
One of those jailed said their true crime was that we were not content with playing along in manipulated elections.
We dared to confront the regime with the question: will democracy ever be possible within such a structure?, activist Gwyneth Ho added.
The answer was a complete crackdown on all fronts of society.
The timing of the sentencing proved awkward for Sir Keir, as it came only shortly after he raised concerns about Chinas actions in Hong Kong with Mr Xi.
The timing of the sentencing proved awkward for Sir Keir Starmer, as it came only shortly after he raised concerns about Chinas actions in Hong Kong with Xi Jinping as they met in Brazil
A heavy police presence was seen outside the court in Hong Kong ahead of the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy activists
Armed police stand guard as a prison van arrives at the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts building
The Prime Minister met the Chinese President at the G20 summit in Brazil, in which he said Britain wanted to engage honestly and frankly on those areas where we have different perspectives.
This included on Hong Kong, Beijings support for Russias invasion of Ukraine, and Chinas human rights record, Downing Street said.
But Sir Keir also used the talks with Mr Xi to discuss deepening the UK and Chinas relationship on trade and investment, health, education and other areas of mutual interest, according to No10.
Mark Sabah, of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, told MailOnline it was not uncommon for Western governments to be treated with two faces by China.
He said that Mr Xi, if he wished to, could have told the Hong Kong court to release the pro-democracy activists without a prison sentence.
Instead they all got between four to 10 years, he added. Theyve sent a message to any future generation of Hong Kongers dont mess with the authorities, we dont care about your rights.
Mr Sabah said China could make its political headache over Hong Kong go away by releasing jailed pro-democracy campaigners, but admitted thats not in the nature of the Chinese Communist Party.
He added he was delighted that Sir Keir raised the case of Jimmy Lai, a British citizen and Hong Kong media tycoon facing a possible life sentence, during his talks with Mr Xi.
But he noted how footage appeared to show journalists being shepherded out of the room where Sir Keir and the Chinese premier were meeting as soon as Mr Lais case was raised.
Why is Chinese security telling British journalists to leave the room? Why are the Chinese security in charge? What the hell is that?, Mr Sabah said.
A No10 spokeswoman said Britain would always stand up for the people of Hong Kong and suggested the UK was given no advance notice of the court decision.
Asked if it was a kick in the teeth for the PM after the talks yesterday, she replied: The PM has been engaging pragmatically (and) was able to raise concerns directly.
We believe there are benefits to that. Our position in relation to Hong Kong has been clear for some time, we will raise our concerns at all levels and by engaging with the Chinese. The PM was able to do that at the very highest level yesterday.
We believe there are clear benefits to doing that and our approach will be serious and pragmatic so we can work together in areas of shared interest.
But also retain the ability to raise concerns personally and directly where we believe that is important. In relation to Hong Kong, the PM did so given its importance.