Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Chinese Consulate: Violence against Demonstrators

Tuesday 8 November 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Graham Stringer expressed concern over violent actions by Chinese consular officials against protesters in Manchester.
  • Stringer questioned whether reducing the number of Chinese diplomats could address issues of secret police actions and intimidation.
  • Julian Lewis asked if growing economic ties with China would positively influence its behaviour, citing concerns based on experiences with Russia.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South
Foreign Affairs
Context

On October 16, 2022, there was violent behaviour by Chinese officials towards demonstrators at the People's Republic of China consulate in Manchester.

Question

I am concerned about the implications for my policies due to the recent violent actions by Chinese consular officials against protesters outside their consulate in Manchester on October 16, 2022. What assessment has he made regarding these events and their broader impact?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The behaviour of Chinese officials in Manchester is unacceptable, and we have expressed to China that freedom of protest must be respected. If the police find grounds for charges, we would expect China to waive immunity. There will be diplomatic consequences if it does not co-operate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific policy implications were not evaluated or addressed directly

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Q2 Graham Stringer Lab Blackley and Middleton South
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is a concern about broader activities by the Chinese consulate that involve intimidating people in the UK.

Question

I do not find this sufficient. The violence from consular officials on Manchester streets is unacceptable, but it only represents part of secret police actions and intimidations in Britain. To address this, will she consider reducing the number of Chinese diplomats allowed into the country?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

This matter is under investigation by Greater Manchester police, and we await their findings. Once they complete the investigation, the Foreign Secretary will determine the next steps according to the rule of law.

Not addressed: The specific ask about reducing diplomatic staff was not addressed; instead, the answer focused on awaiting the completion of an investigation.

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Q3 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is concern that increasing economic ties with an authoritarian country might not lead to positive changes, as seen in the case of Russia.

Question

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that we are not making a similar mistake regarding China by believing that growing economic ties will influence its behaviour positively? It has failed for Russia and likely will fail for China too.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

My right hon. Friend is knowledgeable on these issues. Our approach to China is coordinated across government, with the FCDO leading a cross-Whitehall strategy as per the integrated review, which is currently being refreshed. I understand that our position will be clarified in due course.

Not addressed: The specific ask about assurance regarding economic ties was not addressed; instead, an explanation of ongoing strategic approach was given.

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