Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hong Kong: Human Rights Violations

Tuesday 28 October 2025 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Alison Bennett asked about a constituent who sought safety in the UK under the BNO visa route due to human rights issues in Hong Kong.
  • Luke Akehurst inquired about the impact of the national security law on pro-democracy parties, Joshua Wong, and Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong.
  • The Government stated they oppose the national security law and are working to counteract transnational repression efforts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alison Bennett Lib Dem Mid Sussex
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

A constituent of Alison Bennett's from Mid Sussex, who came to the UK under the British National Overseas visa route due to deteriorating human rights conditions in Hong Kong, is concerned about potential changes to settlement and citizenship qualifications.

Question

A constituent of mine, who now lives in Haywards Heath, came to the UK from Hong Kong under the BNO visa route after the deterioration of human rights there left her and her daughter with no choice but to seek safety. She is now deeply anxious about reports that the qualifying period for settlement and citizenship may be extended. What representations has the Minister made to her Chinese counterparts, and can she explain how she will protect BNO visa holders who have made their home in the UK?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Seema Malhotra)

Indeed, we agree that any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate, harass or harm their critics or others abroad, especially in the UK, will not be tolerated. The Government are also strengthening efforts to tackle transnational repression, including through the introduction of dedicated police training and online guidance to support victims. Indeed, we are committed to the people of Hong Kong, as exemplified by the BNO visa route. It is our historical and moral commitment, and the hon. Lady will be aware, in relation to the changes in the immigration White Paper, that the Government will bring forth more details about the consultation and work in due course.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific concern about potential changes to the qualifying period for settlement and citizenship.

How: We Are Committed

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Q2 Luke Akehurst Lab North Durham
Foreign Affairs
Context

Recent events include the disbanding of pro-democracy parties, the rearrest and further charges against activist Joshua Wong under the national security law, and Jimmy Lai remaining in prison.

Question

Two pro-democracy parties in Hong Kong have disbanded recently, activist Joshua Wong was rearrested and faces further charges under the national security law, and Jimmy Lai remains in prison. Does the Minister agree that the national security law continues to be used to erode the rights and freedoms of Hongkongers, and can she confirm that the UK continues to strongly oppose it?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Seema Malhotra)

I can absolutely confirm that we continue to oppose the national security law. As outlined in the report that the Foreign Secretary presented to Parliament last week, the Hong Kong authorities continue to apply national security legislation to diminish the city’s political autonomy and political pluralism, including freedom of association, freedom of assembly and freedom of information. Indeed, Hong Kong now ranks 140th out of 180 in the 2025 world press freedom index—entering the red zone for the first time. This is indeed a very serious situation.

Answered
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