Hostile State Activity Prosecution 2025-06-19
2025-06-19
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Local constituents are concerned about state-backed terror following recent arrests in the area. Jonathan Hall’s report on state-backed terrorism was mentioned previously by the government.
Many of my constituents are concerned about state-backed terror, given the recent arrests in and around my constituency. Will the Solicitor General update the House on the implementation of Jonathan Hall’s report on state-backed terrorism and how that may help us to improve conviction rates?
My hon. Friend rightly mentions Jonathan Hall KC’s recommendations. As the Home Secretary announced, we are committed to taking forward the suite of recommendations made in Jonathan Hall’s review to tackle state threats, including the creation of a new proscription-like power.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Activists, such as Chloe Cheung and Jimmy Lai, have reported being harassed after providing evidence to the police. There are concerns about surveillance capabilities at a new Chinese super-embassy.
I recently met Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Chloe Cheung, who reported being followed by men here in London after a large bounty was placed on her head by the Chinese Government. Despite providing copious evidence to the police, she received no follow-up at all. The lawyers of detained activist Jimmy Lai are also being harassed, while the plans for the new Chinese super-embassy, if built, could seriously increase China’s capacity for surveillance, intimidation and transnational repression against Hong Kong activists here in London. Will the Solicitor General please commit to looking into this issue urgently so that we can all have confidence in the UK’s ability to prosecute hostile state actors and protect those who live on UK soil?
The hon. Member raises an important issue, and I will make sure that Home Office colleagues have heard the concerns he raises. Ministers have raised concerns of that nature with the authorities, including in Hong Kong and Beijing, and I want to be very clear: we will not tolerate any attempts by foreign Governments to harass or harm their critics on British soil.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific commitment to investigating these issues urgently as requested
Response accuracy