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Question
This issue is incredibly serious, highlighting the ongoing persecution in Hong Kong by an authoritarian regime. Since July last year, nearly 100 people have been arrested for political reasons in Hong Kong. The bounties on three individuals in the UK amount to approximately £100,000 each and include Tony Chung, Carmen Lau, and Chloe Cheung who fled Hong Kong due to persecution. It is unacceptable that harassment and intimidation are now happening on British soil. Questions raised include whether the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to explain these actions, if China should be placed into enhanced tier under the foreign influence registration scheme (FIRS), and what concrete steps are being taken against these outrages.
Minister reply
The Government is taking this matter very seriously, raising concerns with Chinese authorities at every opportunity. The Foreign Secretary and Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs have met families involved. Concerns about the new Chinese embassy have been raised in a joint letter to the Planning Inspectorate highlighting national security issues. Allegations about undeclared police stations in the UK have resulted in confirmation from Chinese authorities that these sites have been closed.
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Question
Guidance should be given to police forces not only to reassure Hongkongers under threat but also to implement target hardening measures in their homes. This is a real, serious, and live threat.
Minister reply
Counter-terror policing has provided assurances that appropriate measures are in place for individuals at risk. The defending democracy taskforce is reviewing the UK’s approach to transnational repression across government and law enforcement.
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Question
How will the Government bring bounty hunters to justice? Will they enforce Magnitsky sanctions on those responsible for these actions?
Minister reply
The UK Government takes these matters incredibly seriously and uses all available tools to ensure that everyone living in the United Kingdom can go about their lawful business without interference from other countries.
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Question
Since the launch of the British nationals overseas visa route for Hongkongers, more than 209,000 people have been granted visas, with over 150,000 arriving in the UK. What steps is the Immigration Minister taking to support their integration?
Minister reply
The BNO route reflects the UK’s commitment to Hong Kong nationals who chose to retain ties to the UK at handover in 1997. Eligible applicants include those with BNO status or family members of someone with this status.
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Question
The Member praised the BNO visa route and asked about the government's efforts to combat threats to activists. He raised concerns about state threats, asking for assurances on the role of counter-terrorism police in protecting citizens.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis thanked Tom Tugendhat for his work and acknowledged the importance of protecting individuals facing state threats. He assured that the Government is committed to supporting the operational partners and intelligence services to combat such activities.
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Question
The Member asked about steps being taken to support MI5 in protecting the UK from state actors.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis paid tribute to the security services and operational partners for their work. He stated that the Government is taking the matter seriously and will continue to review it closely.
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Question
The Member highlighted personal experiences of being sanctioned by Chinese authorities and raised concerns about extraterritorial attacks against Hongkongers in the UK. He questioned the Government's response to such threats.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis acknowledged Sir Iain Duncan Smith’s long experience on these matters and reiterated that the Government is clear that the activities described are unacceptable. He confirmed that decisions regarding Chinese embassies will be made considering national security concerns.
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Question
The Member asked for updates on how the foreign influence registration scheme would help tackle threats from state actors.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis stated that the Government is working to implement the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, which will strengthen resilience against covert foreign influence and provide assurance around activities of national security risk entities.
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Question
The Member expressed concern about the safety of Hongkongers in Richmond Park and urged for more detail on reviewing transnational repression.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis assured that these matters are taken seriously. He mentioned the work being done by the defending democracy taskforce to review transnational repression under the National Security Act 2023.
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Question
The Member asked for assurances that his constituents facing monitoring and surveillance would receive protection.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis assured Laurence Turner that the Government is working closely with counter-terrorism policing to ensure support for individuals facing such threats.
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Question
The Member questioned the steps taken by the government to stop Chinese operatives from overstepping the mark on UK shores.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis thanked Jim Shannon for his question and reaffirmed that these matters are taken seriously. He mentioned the Foreign Secretary's statement condemning bounties and called on Beijing to repeal its national security law.
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Question
The Member inquired about an assessment made by the Government regarding a new Chinese super-embassy in Europe.
Minister reply
Mr Jarvis stated that national security is the overriding priority and all aspects of this application will be considered carefully before being decided upon by the Deputy Prime Minister.
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Question
The hon. Member for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop) raised concerns about the super-embassy application and requested a review of the letter sent to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Minister reply
He understands the hon. Member's concerns and has referred to the letter written back in January which considers the full breadth of national security implications.
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Question
Welcomed the Minister’s recognition that bounties on British Hongkongers are for exercising rights guaranteed to them under the joint declaration. Asked what practical assistance can be given to those who have had their BNO passport seized or other travel documents frozen, so they can come to the UK.
Minister reply
BNO status holders and their families are making significant contributions to our economy and local communities. There is no requirement for a person’s passport to be valid in order for them to apply to extend leave or for indefinite leave to remain under the BNO route.
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Question
Asked if the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to be held accountable for placing bounties on pro-democracy Hongkongers. Also asked about the status of the current investigation.
Minister reply
The UK Government take these matters seriously and raise them at every opportunity with China. The police are working hard alongside operational partners, investigating all matters using appropriate resources to bring perpetrators to justice.
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Question
Asked for practical measures that can be put in place now to better protect those in the UK with a bounty on their head, and their family members still in Hong Kong.
Minister reply
The Minister understands my hon. Friend’s point about fear and chilling effect felt by communities and will have more to say about these matters very soon.
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Question
Asked for a cast-iron guarantee that any future trade deals with China will not compromise the protections offered Hongkongers in the UK. Also asked if MI5 could meet those Hongkongers who have been sanctioned to ensure robust protection.
Minister reply
National security is the first priority of this Government, and he cannot comment on specific cases but will take it away and come back with a fuller response.
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Question
Asked if permission being given for the super-embassy would undermine assurances that foreign states will be held to account for hostile actions targeting British residents on British soil.
Minister reply
From a national security perspective, these matters are taken incredibly seriously. He gave an absolute assurance that we look carefully at these matters.
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Question
Asked if the Minister will commit to looking very carefully at any recommendations coming from the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry.
Minister reply
He knows about the Joint Committee on Human Rights inquiry and can give an assurance that we will look carefully at the findings.
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Question
Asked if he would support calls for high-profile visits by UK and Chinese officials in their respective countries to be paused until the security situation is resolved.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterated Jimmy Lai’s case as a priority, highlighting engagements made with China at various levels including the Prime Minister raising it with President Xi.