Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Chinese Communist Party: Threat to Democracy

Tuesday 22 October 2024 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bobby Dean asked about the threat to UK democracy from the Chinese Communist Party, and the Government stated they do not comment on national security details but will not tolerate threats to democracy.
  • Bobby Dean inquired if the Government had raised the issue of transnational repression with the Chinese Government, to which the Government responded about their strategic approach and support for Hong Kong community members in the UK.
  • Blair McDougall requested the Minister to send a clear signal to the Chinese state regarding Hong Kong Scots, and the Minister reiterated support for the Hong Kong community and the closure of undeclared sites in the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about a potential threat to UK democracy posed by China, referencing national security matters.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the level of threat to UK democracy from the Chinese Communist Party?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

As a matter of long-standing policy, which the hon. Gentleman will understand, the Government do not comment on the detail of national security matters, but let me be clear: any attempt by any foreign power to threaten or undermine the UK's democracy will not be tolerated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific recent assessment requested was not provided.

How: As A Matter Of Long-Standing Policy, Which The Hon. Gentleman Will Understand, The Government Do Not Comment On The Detail Of National Security Matters,

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Q2 Bobby Dean Lib Dem Carshalton and Wallington
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about Hongkongers facing surveillance, harassment, and intimidation from the Chinese state in his local community.

Question

Will the Government confirm that they have raised the issue of transnational repression in conversations with the Chinese Government, and made clear that it is a totally unacceptable interference in British democracy?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The Government will take a consistent long-term and strategic approach to our relations with China, rooted in the UK and global interests, and the Government are deeply committed to supporting all members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK. I reiterate that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm their critics overseas are unacceptable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific confirmation requested on whether transnational repression was discussed is not provided.

How: We Will Take A Consistent Long-Term And Strategic Approach

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Q3 Blair McDougall Lab East Renfrewshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP mentions that his constituency is home to Hongkongers who fear repression and refers to a reported presence of a Chinese Communist party-run secret police station.

Question

Will the Minister join me in sending a clear signal to the Chinese state: “hands off Hong Kong Scots”?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

I have made clear our support to the Hong Kong community in the UK, and we have made clear to Chinese authorities that the existence of undeclared sites in the UK is unacceptable, and their operation must cease. We have been told that they have now closed.

Answered
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Q4 Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP expresses concern about the lack of response to her inquiries regarding individuals detained abroad, and asks when a special envoy will be appointed.

Question

When will the Government bring forward their promised special envoy for arbitrary detention, come back to shadow Foreign Ministers, and get our people home?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

We call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and immediately release British national Jimmy Lai. His case remains a high priority for His Majesty's Government, and UK diplomats attend his court hearing in Hong Kong. The Foreign Secretary recently raised the case with Wang Yi during his visit to Beijing on 18 October.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timeline requested was not provided.

How: His Case Remains A High Priority For His Majesty'S Government, And Uk Diplomats Attend His Court Hearing In Hong Kong.

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