← Back to House of Commons Debates
Hong Kong: Electoral Reforms
10 March 2021
Lead MP
Nigel Adams
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Democracy & ElectionsForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 30
At a Glance
Nigel Adams raised concerns about hong kong: electoral reforms 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 UK is deeply concerned about the situation in Hong Kong and the erosion of rights under the Sino-British joint declaration. In response, the UK has offered a bespoke immigration path for British nationals overseas, suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong indefinitely, and extended the arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong. The Foreign Secretary addressed the UN Human Rights Council to call out systematic violations of the rights of Hong Kong people, emphasising that free and fair legislative elections must take place with opposition voices allowed. Meetings at the National People's Congress may include changes to election processes which would further attack Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms, such as modifying Chief Executive elections or introducing vetting for public office candidates described as patriots governing Hong Kong. The UK has raised concerns with Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Hong Kong Government, and the Chinese embassy in London, emphasising recent developments like the national security law last year, new rules disqualifying elected legislators, and mass arrests of activists. The minister urged China to respect Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
The UK has a duty to protect Hong Kong's rights, including democratic institutions. The National People’s Congress proposals end democracy and violate the joint declaration. Previous promises of action have not been fulfilled. Free elections are being erased, and prominent members of the democracy movement are in jail. China behaves like a bully; does the Minister believe China will step back? Will sanctions be imposed on officials such as Carrie Lam and Xia Baolong, or taken to the International Court of Justice?
Minister reply
We continue to bring together international partners to stand up for Hong Kong people's freedoms and hold China accountable. The UK has declared two breaches of the joint declaration in 2020 due to the national security law and will examine any new proposals closely. We support our ambassador’s work on media freedom and championing democracy and human rights globally.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Question
Support for Caroline Wilson's efforts in championing media freedom and criticising Governments is expressed. Recent actions by the UK Government are welcome, especially welcoming British nationals overseas to correct a wrong made in 1984. Magnitsky sanctions should be implemented with names put to charges as this has gone on long enough.
Minister reply
The Foreign Affairs Committee's chairman's support for our ambassador is acknowledged. We do not speculate on who may be designated under sanctions but have offered a new immigration path for BNOs, suspended the extradition treaty with Hong Kong, and extended the arms embargo to reflect Beijing’s behaviour.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberafan Maesteg
Question
Questions BNO accessibility, Hong Kong's democracy threat, Chinese expansionism and Taiwan's security, nuclear infrastructure risks, UK-China audit, coordinated international response to China’s assaults on democracy and human rights. Also asks about Magnitsky sanctions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Labour support for BNO scheme but notes lack of planning concerns; discusses cross-Whitehall collaboration and Magnitsky sanctions policy review.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Congratulates the minister, criticises inaction on Hong Kong, asks about Magnitsky sanctions timeline.
Minister reply
Reiterates substantial action taken by UK Government regarding Hong Kong including BNO offer and statements made to international partners. Refuses to speculate on next steps for sanctions.
Question
Constructively criticises the need for more concrete actions beyond words, asks about economic impact of potential sanctions.
Minister reply
Cannot speculate on sanctions regime but reiterates ongoing assessment and review of evidence regarding further designations.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Question
Asks about coordinated Magnitsky sanctions with Five Eyes countries, mentions US stance on Uyghur genocide.
Minister reply
Acknowledges longstanding policy not to speculate on designations; confirms close work with international partners including the US.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Expresses frustration over repeated lack of action, calls for immediate use of Magnitsky sanctions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges cross-party work on sanctions regime; confirms ongoing review of evidence for further designations.
Fiona Bruce
Con
Congleton
Question
What assessment has the Foreign Secretary made of the impact of the national security law and the further dismantling of human rights in Hong Kong on freedom of religion or belief, particularly in the light of the raid on Good Neighbour North District Church, the freezing of its bank account, and the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong’s instructions to clergy to be careful in their sermons? What implications does the proposed national security education curriculum have for FORB in faith schools there?
Minister reply
We are deeply concerned about the issues that she has raised regarding violations and abuses of freedom of religion or belief in China, including Hong Kong. The prosperity of Hong Kong relies on respect for fundamental freedoms. We remain committed to defending such freedom for everyone.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Question
What steps will the UK Government take to make it easier for students, academics and intellectuals to seek refuge in our democracy as the UK Government’s visa programme currently favours the richest in Hong Kong society?
Minister reply
The new immigration route allows BNOs and their dependants to live, study and work in the UK. Since 23 February, a fully digital application process has been available; we estimate that between 123,000 and 153,000 BNOs and their dependents will use this route within its first year.
Tom Randall
Con
Croydon North
Question
What steps are the Government taking in multilateral institutions to hold China to account for her actions, particularly with reported proposals to change Hong Kong’s electoral system?
Minister reply
The impact of our diplomacy is reflected in the growing number of countries supporting statements we have led or co-ordinated at the UN. We made it clear that free and fair legislative elections must take place.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Will the Minister raise with the Chinese authorities cases of Lee Cheuk-yan, the general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, and Carol Ng, its former chair? What action do the Government intend to take against UK-based companies that have expressed support for the national security law?
Minister reply
We raise our concerns constantly with the Hong Kong authorities. I will get an update regarding the two cases referred to by the right hon. Gentleman.
Tan Dhesi
Lab
Slough
Question
Does the Minister agree that there is an urgent need for a cross-departmental strategy for our engagement with China? If so, what specifically is he doing to take that forward?
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary chairs a cross-Government ministerial group on issues related to our engagement with China. We meet regularly to discuss all issues including Hong Kong.
Bury South
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that it is only through working with like-minded allies that we will be able to convey to China the international community’s concerns about the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong? Will the Minister ensure that those concerns are raised when we host the G7 later this year?
Minister reply
This is a real opportunity for the UK to raise important matters at the G7, as it presides over. We will take a leading role regarding China's actions not just in Xinjiang but also in Hong Kong.
Mitcham and Morden
Question
Does the Minister share my assessment that it is inappropriate for UK-based financial institutions, such as HSBC, to have corporate sponsorship in the UK given their public support for the national security law? Does he agree that this support undermines the UK Government’s attempts to hold the Chinese Government to account?
Minister reply
Businesses like HSBC need to stand by each decision they make publicly. We made a historic commitment to protect Hong Kong's autonomy and freedom, as did China when it signed the Sino-British joint declaration.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
What steps is my hon. Friend taking to strengthen relations in the Indo-Pacific to combat Chinese aggression and the flouting of international law?
Minister reply
The Government are about to publish our integrated review, which includes an 'Indo-Pacific tilt' not just regarding any one country but how we respond to challenges and opportunities across this dynamic region.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
Greenock and Inverclyde
Question
How can the UK Government justify not suspending trade talks with China in response to its inability to live up to international treaty obligations? How can the Minister reassure the public that profit is not above human rights?
Minister reply
The situation is not as described by the hon. Lady, but we must remember what the Trade Bill intends: delivering for UK businesses and consumers while supporting global promotion of our values.
Imran Ahmad Khan
Lab
Morden
Question
Will my hon. Friend outline how his Department intends to properly hold China accountable for breaching the Sino-British joint declaration?
Minister reply
We are a co-signatory and have responded accordingly in the past, such as declaring two breaches of the joint declaration last year regarding the national security law.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Reinforced the welcoming of Hong Kongers under the BNO passport scheme and questioned the reluctance to use Magnitsky sanctions.
Minister reply
Stated that speculation about potential Magnitsky sanctions would be unhelpful, but confirmed that they are closely reviewing their sanctions regime.
John Howell
Con
Henley
Question
Asked if China's behaviour in Hong Kong will affect its standing globally, particularly in Africa.
Minister reply
Agreed with the assessment and confirmed that they are communicating their concerns directly to Chinese authorities through diplomatic channels.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton
Question
Asked about delivering a coordinated international response with the US, EU and Indo-Pacific democracies regarding human rights in Hong Kong.
Minister reply
Agreed that it is an assault on democracy and confirmed they are working with international partners to address this issue.
North Cotswolds
Question
Asked about discussions with Five Eyes allies regarding rights of abode for BNO status holders in other countries.
Minister reply
Confirmed that they are liaising with international partners, including Five Eyes colleagues, to support BNO status holders.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
Question
Asked if senior Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses should be sanctioned through the Magnitsky legislation.
Minister reply
Confirmed their concern about human rights in Tibet and urged China to respect fundamental rights as per its constitution and international obligations.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
Question
Asked if China understands the breadth of international concerns regarding Hong Kong, and pushed for Magnitsky sanctions.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the point but stated that they are constantly reviewing their regime.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind
Renny Grove
Question
Asked about the validity of China's claim regarding Hong Kong's Basic Law and its relation to the Sino-British joint declaration.
Minister reply
Confirmed that they called two breaches last year and will closely examine any upcoming decisions from the National People’s Congress.
Henry Smith
Con
Crawley
Question
Asked if they are reviewing critical infrastructure and supply chain links with China's economy.
Minister reply
Confirmed that such reviews are under consideration, highlighting examples like the work done with China General Nuclear Power Group.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon
Question
Asked about Government support for BNO passport holders and their integration into UK society.
Minister reply
Confirmed that support is being provided through collaboration between multiple departments including the Home Office, FCDO, and MHCLG.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Question
Asked about proposals by NPC contradicting UK-China commitments on Hong Kong's rights and freedoms.
Minister reply
Confirmed that they have spoken to the Chinese embassy in London regarding concerns and urged Chinese authorities to uphold their commitments.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Will the Secretary of State outline what steps have been taken to co-ordinate with businesses in the financial sector so that they play their part in letting the Chinese Government understand that their continued acts of aggression will have financial consequences?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman speaks regularly on these issues and has elevated me to Secretary of State, although there hasn't been a reshuffle yet. We are regularly in touch with businesses in the region to ensure they take responsibility for any decisions they make.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Does the Minister accept that an estimated 250 to 300 former naval and military personnel are at particular risk as Hongkongers who served the British Crown, and will he discuss with the Home Office about granting them the right to come here now?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend raises a significant issue, and I assure him that I will have discussions on behalf of those who have served the United Kingdom as described.
Shadow Comment
Layla Moran
Shadow Comment
The UK Government has a duty to protect the rights and democratic institutions in Hong Kong, which are being threatened by proposals at the National People’s Congress. The current situation is another breach of the Sino-British joint declaration. Despite previous promises, no meaningful action has been taken. Prominent members of the democracy movement are in jail, media freedom is curtailed, and free elections are being erased. China's actions are akin to those of a bully and require more than just words—concerted action such as Magnitsky sanctions on officials like Carrie Lam and Xia Baolong is needed. The Government must impose these sanctions and take this case to the International Court of Justice to hold China accountable.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.