Ex-Tory minister Tim Loughton was detained and deported by an African country ... trends now

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A former Tory minister sanctioned by Beijing was detained and deported by an African country with close links to China, it has been reported. 

Tim Loughton MP believes his expulsion from Djibouti earlier this month was directly related to his prior criticism of the Chinese government.

Mr Loughton, 61, claims he was detained at the airport in Djibouti City on April 8, after arriving for a 24-hour visit with the British ambassador.

After being held for seven hours, the senior member of the Commons' home affairs committee was informed that he had been barred from entry to the country and would be flown out as soon as possible.

This is said to be the first time such action has been taken against a British citizen in Djibouti.

Mr Loughton believes he was targeted by Dijbouti officials for his open criticism of China – a country which has invested billions of dollars into the African nation to gain political influence.