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Chinese Consulate: Attack on Hong Kong Protesters
18 October 2022
Lead MP
Jesse Norman
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign AffairsParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
Jesse Norman raised concerns about chinese consulate: attack on hong kong protesters in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The House was informed of the violent incident that took place outside the People's Republic of China consulate in Manchester on Sunday afternoon. The demonstration, initially peaceful, turned violent when Greater Manchester police intervened to restore order after being pre-notified. A formal investigation has been launched by the police. The Foreign Secretary summoned the Chinese chargé d’affaires at the Chinese embassy to express deep concern and demand an explanation for the consulate's actions. Further details will be provided once the investigation concludes, but peaceful protest is recognised as a fundamental right in British society. The Minister emphasised that all individuals on British soil have the right to express their views without fear of violence.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Thank you for the urgent question. The Chinese consul-general destroyed posters during a peaceful protest against Hong Kong rights, leading to grievous bodily harm of a protester. There were beatings by CCP officials on British soil. Labour seeks confirmation that any official involved in the beatings will be prosecuted or expelled, and what is being done to protect protests as a fundamental right.
Minister reply
The chargé d’affaires will meet with officials this afternoon following an informal exchange of concern between sides. The Minister respects the process of law where police and Crown Prosecution Service determine facts for prosecution based on evidence. He supports robust action against unacceptable behaviour.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Question
The incident in Manchester was a sharp departure from our liberal democracy principles, with suspected Chinese consular officials using violence and intimidation, dragging protesters into consulate grounds. The hon. Member pressed the Minister on what will happen to officials involved and asked for robust plans to protect Hong Kong people arriving in the UK under new schemes.
Minister reply
The legal process must be diligently carried out without personal comments. The Home Office and Levelling Up Department have put welcome arrangements in place to manage processing of Hong Kong arrivals effectively.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
The individual hauled into the consulate confirms being beaten by guards, his hands torn, hair pulled, and kicked for at least a minute. The MP asked if the Secretary of State summoned the ambassador directly to see him and will be prepared to expel the consul-general and involved parties found guilty.
Minister reply
The process of raising the matter formally with the Chinese embassy has already been outlined. Further action will depend on legal and prosecutorial procedures that may lead to expulsion.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Question
Commends the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee for bringing forward the urgent question. Expresses concern over networks of coercion and control exerted by the Chinese state on Chinese nationals in the UK, urging the Minister to include Confucius Institutes in his investigations.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of scrutinizing foreign influence through measures within the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Question
Urges the Minister to recognise the shift in Chinese regime's behavior and face up to the new dynamics of their relationship.
Minister reply
Stresses the need for a constructive yet firm approach towards China, highlighting the importance of the integrated review in addressing emerging threats.
Afzal Khan
Lab
Manchester Rusholme
Question
Requests immediate action against the consul general and steps to protect pro-democracy activists.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need for a legal process before taking further actions. Emphasises the UK's commitment to freedom, rule of law, and democracy.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Tewkesbury
Question
Asks about steps being taken to protect Hong Kong community members from potential intimidation by Chinese state apparatus.
Minister reply
Highlights actions such as ending the extradition treaty, opening the British National Overseas route, and extending it to adult children of BNO-eligible people.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Calls for the consul general to be declared persona non grata if found to have led the attack.
Minister reply
Reiterates that a process of determination is required before taking action.
Question
Asks why legal processes are necessary before expelling those involved in human rights violations.
Minister reply
Clarifies that there needs to be a factual determination rather than assuming actions based on private views.
Sarah Owen
Lab
Luton North
Question
Inquires about training for police officers to protect Hong Kong refugees and their sensitivity towards cultural and political issues.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of proper scrutiny and highlights that police forces are trained to handle such sensitivities.
Question
Raises concerns about informal networks of Chinese overseas police service stations and requests explanations from summoned officials.
Minister reply
Confirms that these organisations have no legal standing in the UK and expresses concern over the issues raised by the House.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
Question
Congratulates the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton on securing the urgent question, criticises the Minister's response to violent incidents in Manchester, calling it inadequate compared to the response to similar events in Hong Kong.
Minister reply
Responds that there is a difference between situations in Hong Kong and the UK; emphasises adherence to rule of law in addressing issues here.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Welcomes the Minister's statement but asks for more decisive action against CCP influence, particularly on university campuses.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the concerns regarding covert activity in universities; mentions new rules for foreign influence registration.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Raises concern about surveillance and intimidation by CCP agents, particularly on university campuses, and suggests issuing travel documents to avoid consulates.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the issue of intimidating use of technology like drones; takes seriously the suggestion regarding travel document issuance.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Question
Questions whether China's large consulate in Manchester is being used to control and police Chinese community members, suggesting a need for investigation.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the point about consular activities; suggests similar concerns could apply to other institutions around the world.
Question
Concerned about safety of Hong Kong BNO families and others in her constituency, asks if investigation will proceed regardless of whether actions took place on consular premises.
Minister reply
Affirms that independent police investigations should be thorough despite limitations.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Question
Concerned about respect for local law by Chinese consulate in Belfast, asks for guidance to local authorities and protection of peaceful protest.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of a UK-wide support network; mentions virtual welcome hubs and funding for organisations.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
Criticises China's change in approach over the past seven years, urges resolute action against state-sponsored tactics.
Minister reply
Acknowledges changes in China’s position; emphasises the need for a balanced response respecting rules-based order.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
Urges more decisive condemnation of violent incidents involving Chinese consular officials, suggests expulsion if found to be involved.
Minister reply
Condemns apparent scenes of violence; states decision will be based on factual determination.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon Maesteg
Question
The export of China’s brutal, authoritarian, democracy-crushing behaviours is what we saw in Manchester. It is completely and utterly unacceptable. There is intimidation of Hongkongers and others; there are covert influence attempts to subvert our democracy and education system. We need a strategic audit of the UK-China relationship. The consul general was involved in violent scenes. Will the Minister confirm that there is no connection between a police investigation and the decision to expel, and will he expel the consul general immediately?
Minister reply
I have already made it clear that there is no direct or indirect connection between the decision to expel the consul general and a police investigation. We need an objective basis for action, which includes all available information. The process of establishing facts continues.
Question
The Minister should get angrier about the disgraceful thing that happened in Manchester. Chinese influence is present everywhere, even in our universities and major companies. Is this not part of a serious effort by China to infiltrate this country at every level?
Minister reply
There are ways in which this country has economic relationships with Chinese companies, but there is indeed concern about infiltration, coercion, etc. The Government is concerned about Confucius institutes and covert policing operations. We have introduced the foreign influence registration scheme under the National Security Bill to tackle covert influence.
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with his counterparts in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the EU about coordinated sanctions against individuals responsible for the ongoing crackdown in Hong Kong?
Minister reply
The sanctions regime relates to the UN. We have taken action short of that regarding the coercion of Hongkongers. My officials remain in close contact with similarly high-ranking staff of our allies around the world.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Reflecting on recent events, if there had been such a demonstration outside the British consulate in Shanghai, we might not have liked it but would have tolerated it. Is this difference in values being communicated to the Chinese ambassador?
Minister reply
The Chinese ambassador is fully aware of our concerns regarding Chinese behaviour, including issues related to victims of internationally condemned crimes in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and here.
Shadow Comment
Alicia Kearns
Shadow Comment
The shadow welcomed the urgent question and highlighted the violent actions taken by Chinese officials during a peaceful protest for Hong Kong human rights. A protester was hospitalised, and others were dragged into consulate territory for further beatings by CCP members. The shadow criticised the CCP's silencing of free speech in Britain and called on the Government to uphold this right at home and abroad. She sought confirmation on when the summons with Chinese officials will take place, whether involved parties will be prosecuted or expelled, and what measures are being taken to protect protests.
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