Hong Kong Opposition Lawmakers 2020-11-24
2020-11-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Four pro-independence opposition lawmakers in Hong Kong were recently disqualified by Beijing, causing concern over the UK-China joint declaration and Hong Kong's autonomy.
What steps will the government take in response to the disqualification of four pro-independence lawmakers in Hong Kong? This comes after two breaches of the Sino-British joint declaration in six months.
Beijing's imposition of new rules to disqualify elected legislators constitutes a clear breach of the UK-China joint declaration. This is only the third time we have judged a breach, and the second in six months. China has once again broken its promises and undermined Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide specific steps or plans to address the disqualification of lawmakers, focusing instead on acknowledging the breaches.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Following the disqualification of pro-independence lawmakers in Hong Kong, there is a need for further action such as implementing Magnitsky sanctions against Carrie Lam and measures to restrict financial ties between London and China via Hong Kong.
As the Foreign Secretary noted, China has breached the Sino-British joint declaration twice in six months. When will Magnitsky sanctions be implemented against Chief Executive Carrie Lam? What steps are being taken to tighten capital flows into China through Hong Kong?
We have already made a new offer to British nationals overseas, suspended our extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extended our arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong. On Magnitsky sanctions, this is not something we can decide at our fiat; we need evidence to back it up. We are assessing the situation with international partners. A statement was issued with Five Eyes Foreign Ministers condemning the latest move in relation to legislators, and 39 countries joined the UK in a UN Third Committee statement on Hong Kong as well as Xinjiang.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The response did not provide a specific timeline for Magnitsky sanctions or concrete measures to restrict financial ties, focusing instead on general actions and statements made.
Response accuracy