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Question
Welcomed the Minister to his place and raised concerns about reports of Chinese police stations in Croydon, Hendon, and Glasgow. Questioned the legal basis for their operations on UK soil, involvement of Chinese officials, and requested a commitment from the Government to update the House on this investigation.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the shadow Minister's work on raising awareness about threats from authoritarian regimes, stating that these reports are not unique to the UK. He emphasised the need for UK protections to apply to all individuals in the country and vowed to collaborate with police and agencies to ensure action against any proven illegal activities. The Minister also expressed support for protecting British nationals under the British National (Overseas) scheme.
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Question
Asked about assessments made by the Government regarding Chinese police stations identified in the Safeguard Defenders report and requested information on plans to protect individuals arriving from Hong Kong. Also questioned the timeline for introducing a foreign influence registration scheme.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the serious concerns raised by the Hon. Lady and confirmed that these reports are being investigated. He emphasised the importance of protecting Members of Parliament against intimidation or influence from foreign states, highlighting that only UK police forces have jurisdiction in this country.
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Question
Welcoming the Minister to his new post, Julian Lewis inquires about the criteria for declaring a diplomat persona non grata and expresses concern regarding the safety of Hong Kong students at UK universities due to communist Chinese influence.
Minister reply
Thomas Tugendhat acknowledges the question about diplomats is for the Foreign Office but reassures that information from Home Office inquiries will feed into the Foreign Office. He also assures Lewis about ongoing efforts to protect Hong Kong students in UK universities.
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Question
McDonald congratulates Alicia Kearns on securing the urgent question and asks about international coordination, steps taken for law enforcement resources, and co-ordination with devolved Governments. He also seeks assurance that powers under the National Security Bill will be used if needed.
Minister reply
Tugendhat thanks McDonald and assures him of ongoing work with EU allies, coordination with police forces across UK, and willingness to use National Security Bill powers as necessary. Emphasises importance of supporting free individuals against authoritarian regimes.
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Question
Duncan Smith criticises the Government for inaction regarding police stations, highlights investigations elsewhere, and calls on the government to show strength by investigating and closing these police stations and Confucius Institutes.
Minister reply
Tugendhat acknowledges Duncan Smith's points and reminds him of Prime Minister’s pledge to address Confucius Institutes' threats. He commits to urgent investigation as per assessment results.
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Question
Jones congratulates Kearns on the urgent question, expresses initial disbelief at allegations and seeks reassurance for constituents in Croydon about safety of Chinese and Hong Kong citizens.
Minister reply
Tugendhat commits to all UK citizen's safety and agrees to meet Jones to discuss matters in her constituency.
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Question
Walker congratulates Kearns on the urgent question, welcomes Tugendhat’s position, and calls for a coordinated Government response across departments.
Minister reply
Tugendhat offers commitment to leading a coordinated government response.
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Question
Congratulates the Minister on his new role and asks if the Government will review co-operation agreements with Chinese law enforcement bodies, seek input from devolved Administrations, and consult FBI expertise.
Minister reply
Acknowledges that engagement with authoritarian regimes is under constant review, assures MP that he will work closely with all parts of the UK, including devolved Governments; mentions working with foreign partners such as Canada, Australia, and European countries.
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Question
Asks if any other states have similar police stations in the UK and how long the Government has known about Chinese police stations; questions whether tough rhetoric is enough without action.
Minister reply
Confirms that allegations against other states are being investigated but cannot provide operational details; promises to make a statement shortly.
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Question
Welcomes the Minister to his role, urges action beyond rhetoric on Chinese influence in commerce and academia.
Minister reply
Promises to take security responsibilities seriously; cites past experience in raising concerns about China.
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Question
Asks for guidance issued to university vice-chancellors regarding threats from foreign state involvement.
Minister reply
Refers to the 2019 FAC report; communication with the Department for Education will increase.
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Question
Asks if three premises mentioned have been notified under Vienna convention on diplomatic relations, and whether Home Office visa issuance will be investigated.
Minister reply
Confirms that such questions are part of the assessment; assures that they form part of the report.
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Question
Asks if consulate activities will be part of security monitoring exercise.
Minister reply
Commits to considering actions incompatible with diplomatic status; assures that assessment will cover relevant areas.
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Question
Asks if cases involving Chinese nationals detained in police stations will be seen as hostage-taking, and whether full force of British law will be applied.
Minister reply
Reiterates that rights of citizens are protected by law; applies equally to all.
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Question
Asks how Chinese students can enjoy the same freedoms as others without fear of interference from their own Government.
Minister reply
Emphasises importance of academic freedom in UK universities; promises report to ensure all students are afforded protections.
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Question
Questions whether existence of Chinese police stations breaches international law.
Minister reply
Agrees that one law applies across the UK; confirms commitment to common law reforms that protect liberty.
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Question
Congratulates the Minister on his appointment and raises concerns about torture potentially being carried out in Chinese buildings in the UK. Asks what diplomatic and legal steps can be taken to prevent torture.
Minister reply
Gratefully acknowledges Jim Shannon's kind words and confirms that accusations of torture or violations of human rights would be taken extremely seriously by the United Kingdom.