Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Relations with China: BNO Visa Scheme

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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions addressed concerns over the impact of the BNO visa scheme on diplomatic relations with China.
  • The BNO visa was introduced in response to China's breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration, including the national security law imposed on Hong Kong.
  • The UK Government is committed to supporting the rights and freedoms of British nationals holding BNO passports, including consulate assistance overseas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alexander Stafford
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the diplomatic relations between the UK and China following the implementation of the BNO visa scheme for Hong Kong residents.

Question

I am deeply concerned about the impact of the British national overseas visa scheme on diplomatic relations with China. The BNO visa was introduced in response to China's breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration, including its imposition of a national security law that has undermined rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We warmly welcome all those who have taken up the BNO visa route. This route is about our relationship with Hong Kong and its people. The BNO visa scheme was introduced in response to China's breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration, including its imposition of the national security law, which has been used to undermine rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked for an assessment of impact on diplomatic relations with China, but no specific details about current or future diplomatic consequences were provided.

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Q2 Alexander Stafford
Immigration
Context

Recent incidents involving harassment and violence against Hong Kong residents by Chinese state officials raise concerns about their safety.

Question

I deeply commend the Government on implementing the impressive, tailor-made British national overseas visa and standing up for the Hongkongers in the face of growing repression from Beijing. I urge my right hon. Friend to commit to protecting the British Hongkongers after a recent assault inside the Chinese consulate in Manchester.

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

We are steadfast in our support of the Hong Kong BNO community. Those who choose to live their lives in the UK should enjoy the same freedoms that are afforded to any nationality. As British nationals, BNO passport holders are entitled to consulate assistance from our diplomatic posts overseas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question specifically asked for a commitment to protect Hongkongers but only provided general assurances and did not specify concrete measures or timelines.

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Q3 David Lammy Lab Tottenham
Foreign Affairs
Context

Allies like the US and Germany are taking strategic steps in response to Chinese actions, but the UK has not published its promised strategy yet.

Question

For years, the Conservative Government have failed to act strategically on China. Recently, the Foreign Secretary avoided responsibility by letting officials meet with the Chinese embassy over a Hongkonger beaten in Manchester and gave no answers about alleged Chinese police stations operating in the UK. Our allies are taking major steps like CHIPS and Science Act 1922 and Germany's public stance against nuclear use. When will the Government publish their China strategy?

Answer from Anne-Marie Trevelyan

The UK is clear that China remains in an ongoing state of non-compliance with the Sino-British joint declaration. We continue to work across Government on the question of a China strategy and will work with our international partners to hold China to its obligations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was for a commitment to publish a strategy and a date, but no concrete timeline or firm commitment was given.

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