Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hong Kong: Human Rights Situation

Tuesday 3 March 2026 · 7 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial concerns were raised about the human rights situation in Hong Kong due to the national security law.
  • The UK has welcomed approximately 200,000 Hongkongers since 2021, supporting their integration into UK communities.
  • Training and guidance on state threat activity are now being offered to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Daniel Francis Lab Bexleyheath and Crayford
Foreign Affairs
Context

Recent developments in Hong Kong have raised concerns about the erosion of rights and freedoms, prompting an assessment of policy implications.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential implications for her policies of the human rights situation in Hong Kong?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

China's imposition of the national security law has significantly eroded the rights and freedoms of Hongkongers. The most recent assessment was set out in the last six-monthly report on Hong Kong in October, and the next report will be published soon. The Prime Minister raised our concerns at the highest level in Beijing, including with President Xi.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific implications for government policies

How: Under Review

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Q2 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Immigration Community Security
Context

Residents from Hong Kong have been integrating into various UK towns and cities, such as Long Eaton.

Question

Will the Minister outline what further steps the Government are taking to support the continued integration of Hongkongers into UK communities, and to ensure they feel fully welcomed?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

The UK has welcomed around 200,000 Hongkongers since 2021. We will continue to uphold our commitment to them. Their contribution enriches our economy and society. The welcome programme has delivered successful integration for the British national overseas community, and mainstream provisions will continue to be available.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not outline specific steps or partnerships with local councils

How: Committed To

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Q3 Daniel Francis Lab Bexleyheath and Crayford
Foreign Affairs
Context

Evidence suggests that transnational repression continues against Hong Kong nationals living overseas, including in the UK.

Question

What work is being done across Government Departments to address transnational repression against Hong Kong nationals, and what measures are being pursued to end targeting of opposition voices in the UK?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

Any attempts by foreign Governments to intimidate or harm critics overseas are unacceptable. Ministers have raised issues with the Chinese authorities. Training and guidance on state threat activity is now being offered to all 45 territorial police forces across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures to end targeting of opposition voices

How: Under Review

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Q4 Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green
Foreign Affairs
Context

There is a concern about the lack of sanctions against individuals involved in the Hong Kong situation.

Question

When will the Government use Magnitsky sanctions against those responsible for transnational repression against Hong Kong activists in the UK?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

Our concerns in relation to China's breach of the Sino-British declaration are laid out in our six-monthly report on Hong Kong. Hong Kong is required to ensure that national security legislation upholds rights and freedoms, as set out in the Basic Law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a timeline for using Magnitsky sanctions

How: Under Review

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Q5 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Foreign Affairs
Context

Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong are facing threats and bounties, prompting calls for sanctions against those responsible.

Question

When will the Government use its Magnitsky sanctions regime against those responsible for transnational repression against Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

Any attempts by foreign Governments to coerce, intimidate or harm those in the UK are unacceptable. These arrest warrants and bounties encourage reckless behaviour on UK soil. We will look further at the situation and publish our six-monthly report soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a timeline for using Magnitsky sanctions

How: Under Review

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Q6 Priti Patel Con Witham
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns have been raised about the Prime Minister's visit to China, with criticism over the lack of human rights discussions.

Question

Can the Minister confirm whether human rights in Hong Kong were raised at the Foreign Secretary's meeting in Munich with Wang Yi? Given the situation, was the Prime Minister's visit a success or failure?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had many meetings in Munich and raised a number of issues, including Jimmy Lai. The Conservatives were in charge for 14 years and had different policies on China. It took two years to get the National Security Act 2023 passed into law.

Not addressed: Did not confirm whether human rights were discussed

How: Changed Subject

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Q7 Priti Patel Con Witham
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The question arises from concerns about China's oppressive actions, including the prosecution of British citizen Jimmy Lai, and its support for Russia and Iran in undermining freedom and democracy. There are also concerns about China's espionage and security threats.

Question

Clearly, the Minister is desperate, and is having to go backwards, rather than moving forwards to address the situation. For her information, China oppresses Hongkongers, refuses to free Jimmy Lai and supports Russia and Iran in their barbaric actions to undermine freedom and democracy. Those are issues that the Government should take a grip of now. China plots, spies and undermines our security. Rather than kowtowing to China, when will her Government wake up, deal with the threat posed by the CCP, and put China on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme? When will she start taking action and expel CCP diplomats, to show our disgust at their appalling actions when it comes to transnational repression?

Answer from Seema Malhotra

The Government have not yet made any decision about whether China will be added to the enhanced tier, but the right hon. Lady will know that we condemn in the strongest terms the politically motivated prosecution of British citizen Jimmy Lai. This issue remains a priority for this Government, and she is fully aware of that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about putting China on the enhanced tier and expelling CCP diplomats was not directly addressed.

How: Condemning The Prosecution Of Jimmy Lai Without Committing To Actions Against China

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