Hong Kong National Security Legislation

Mr Speaker, I have the duty to inform you that Beijing's national security law for Hong Kong breaches its international obligations under the joint declaration with the UK. This law undermines Hong Kong’s autonomy over executive and legislative powers, judicial authority, and the right to freedom of speech and peaceful protest as protected by Basic Law and the UN covenant. It also allows mainland authorities jurisdiction over cases in Chinese courts without independent oversight. The establishment of a new office for safeguarding national security with powers to intrude on public order further violates Hong Kong’s autonomy.

This will have a chilling effect on democracy. It fundamentally undermines the commitments made by the Chinese Government to the United Kingdom and those we made in turn to the people of Hong Kong when we signed the joint declaration. I pressed the Foreign Secretary yesterday not to waver in his commitment to the people of Hong Kong, and I am grateful to him for coming to the House today to make this statement.

I thank the hon. Lady for her support for the action that we are taking on Hong Kong and the measures that we are introducing in relation to BNOs. She made a number of points and lamented the lack of a comprehensive strategy. I would always welcome any particular suggestions she has.

I welcome the bipartisan nature of this discussion and the fact that both sides of the House so clearly agree that this is a violation of the Sino-British joint declaration. I also welcome the Home Secretary’s decision to extend immigration rights to those with BNO status.

Agrees with the Foreign Secretary's statement on BNO passport holders' status but criticises the UK for not being as active in defending Hong Kong's autonomy as the European Union. He calls for international legal action against China via the International Court of Justice and proposes targeted sanctions.

Defends the UK's approach to Hong Kong, emphasising collaboration with other countries in addressing human rights issues. Acknowledges that work is ongoing regarding Magnitsky legislation and proposes further designations.

Raises concerns about the safety of UK citizens visiting Hong Kong due to recent travel advice changes from Canada, asking for clarity on Foreign Office travel advice.

Responds by stating that travel advice is reviewed constantly and highlights the joint statement made by 27 members in the UN Human Rights Council regarding China's breach of international law.

Supports the Foreign Secretary's stance but calls for stronger measures to protect Hong Kong residents, including urging banks to reconsider decisions that could harm BNO passport holders.

Commits to providing a path to citizenship for eligible BNO-status holders and emphasises that the rights of Hong Kong residents should not be compromised by financial interests.

Invites the Foreign Secretary to consider a long-term strategic approach towards China, highlighting the need for comprehensive knowledge and understanding of China's history and culture.

Acknowledges the importance of Chinese expertise but assures that the Government has well-represented diplomats in Beijing. Confirms an integrated review of relations with China is underway, including Huawei's role.

Expresses concern over the undermining of Hong Kong’s status and calls for immediate action against Huawei due to its ties with the Chinese state.

Reiterates concern regarding Huawei's ties but states that the US sanctions are currently under review by the National Cyber Security Centre.

Highlights concerns about the law extending to non-Hong Kong residents for acts committed outside of Hong Kong, seeking assurance on UK visitors' protection from prosecution.

Acknowledges concern regarding the provision in question and confirms that it has been raised with Carrie Lam. Expresses worry about its impact on international tourism and China's reputation.

I thank the hon. Lady, who chairs the International Development Committee, and share her concern about what is going on in Hong Kong. I also welcome her support for the position that the Government have taken; she joins Members from all parties in doing so. We are obviously deeply concerned about all aspects of the national security legislation and will do everything we can to encourage the Chinese Government to think again.

I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and the decisive action that is being taken. Unfortunately, this legislation follows a catalogue of actions by the Chinese Government to undermine international law.

Last week, as the Foreign Secretary knows, the European Parliament decided to call for Magnitsky sanctions to be applied on officials who abuse human rights; for China to be brought before the International Court of Justice; and for a United Nations envoy to Hong Kong. Will the Foreign Secretary now take the lead on these issues and bring with us European and Asian nations and the United States?

I salute the outstanding leadership being shown by my right hon. Friend on this issue, and, indeed, the superb leadership being shown by Dame Barbara Woodward as our ambassador in Beijing.

Can the Foreign Secretary tell the House what discussions the Foreign Office has had with non-governmental organisations operating in Hong Kong who will likely be targeted as a result of this new national security law?

I served in Hong Kong as an Army officer. The great thing about Hong Kong is that it has one foot in China and another in the west. When we look at financial services, we can see that that is a huge advantage to the people of Hong Kong.

The action that the Secretary of State has announced for BNO passport holders is welcome, but it does nothing to bring China to book. The reality is that global Britain is so weak with regard to China because it is reliant on CGN for nuclear and on Huawei for 5G.

I also welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement and his decisive action, and I fully endorse the idea from the shadow Foreign Secretary, the hon. Member for Wigan (Lisa Nandy), of having a UN special rapporteur as a way forward in tackling Hong Kong.

I saw reports this morning that the prominent young activist, Joshua Wong, is now removing himself from politics and taking a step back. What assurances can the Secretary of State give us that the Government will be doing everything they can to protect young activists in Hong Kong such as Joshua from being arrested and disappearing?

Expresses concern about the implications of China's disregard for international treaty law on investments in Hong Kong, questioning its impact on social stability and prosperity.

Describes his visit to Hong Kong and expresses anger over the current situation. Advises against appeasing China and emphasises the need for action in trade and investment to counteract its growing influence.

References a poll that showed strong public support for extending rights of BNO passport holders and sanctions against Chinese officials responsible for the legislation, asking if sanctions are under consideration.

Questions whether the government is aware of any BNO passport holders being arrested since the passing of the law and inquires about representations made to Chinese authorities on their behalf.

Welcomes the Magnitsky proposals and new rights for BNOs, emphasising the need for a positive relationship with China while championing values and human rights.

Requests that the Foreign Secretary sets out practical steps to ensure those who arrive in the UK from Hong Kong are welcomed into society and communities.

Welcomes the route to citizenship for BNOs but seeks reassurance that the government will continue to take its responsibility seriously, standing by those seeking democracy and freedom in Hong Kong.

Questions how the UK intends to be less ineffectual in protesting China's actions regarding Hong Kong and asks for confirmation of steps taken with international partners to co-ordinate a response.

Expresses concern over the loss of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, urging the government to reassure people that Britain will take action to make China understand there are consequences for such behavior.

Expressed solidarity with Hong Kong, emphasised the importance of international pressure on China and highlighted efforts to monitor human rights situations in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Raised concerns about the criminalisation of dissent and atrocities against Uyghur population, called for an independent investigation and UN special envoy or rapporteur for monitoring human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

Complimented the Foreign Secretary's focus on human rights and encouraged the UK to take a lead in supporting special envoy proposals at the Human Rights Council.

Welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s statement, praised actions taken for BNO passport holders and called for international solidarity against China's action.

Asked about legal avenues available to respond to national security law breaches, inquired if the Government would consider lodging a case with International Court of Justice.

Highlighted China's ideological battle against Western values, suggested economic measures to counter China's influence.

Expressed concern over religious suppression and human rights abuses in Xinjiang, questioned how such abuses might be prevented under Hong Kong’s new legislation.

Asked about guidance for British nationals in Hong Kong and details on the extension of BNO passport rights.

Agreed with the Foreign Secretary's statement, noted that new national security law will harm China’s reputation and urged robust responses for Hong Kong.

Questioned whether financial benefits of trade with China should outweigh ethical concerns over human rights abuses in China.

The speaker thanked the Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary for their support for British National (Overseas) passport holders, emphasising that China's new law proves it has changed. He urged a strategic approach to dealing with China, expressing concern about the UK's slow preparation for authoritarianism in both Russia and China.

In response, Minister Dominic Raab acknowledged the importance of supporting BNO passport holders and stated that the government assesses its relationship with China through various departments. He disagreed with a 'cold war' analogy but committed to defending UK interests and values without compromising them for trade or commerce.

The speaker welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s statement on BNO holders and asked for assurance that the government would consult with devolved administrations to ensure adequate housing and health services for Hong Kong residents arriving in the UK.

Minister Raab agreed to consult with devolved administrations on measures concerning BNO holders, emphasising that statements of support from all parties would encourage Hong Kongers to seek refuge in the UK.

The speaker thanked Dominic Raab for his work and requested updates on false imprisonments, poor sentences, and arrest numbers. She stressed the need for international cooperation at the UN Human Rights Council to alleviate the situation in Hong Kong.

Minister Raab agreed to provide regular updates based on data from the ground, highlighting the work of Her Majesty’s ambassador in Beijing and the consul general in Hong Kong. He emphasised the need for international cooperation to offer a clear path for BNO holders.