Hong Kong National Security Law 2020-10-13
2020-10-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the impact of the Chinese government's national security law in Hong Kong. He referenced international human rights obligations and the Sino-British joint declaration.
What assessment he has made of the effect of the national security law on the people of Hong Kong?
We have been clear that the national security law has had a chilling effect on society and that it constitutes a clear and serious breach of the Sino-British joint declaration. It contains a range of measures that directly threaten the freedoms and rights protected by the joint declaration. In response to the national security law, the UK has offered a new immigration path for British nationals, suspended our extradition treaty and extended our arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP raised concerns about the removal of books by pro-democracy figures from public libraries in Hong Kong. He also mentioned a statement made by Carrie Lam regarding 'weeding out' teachers promoting independence.
Does my hon. Friend agree that the UK reserves the right to take further action to safeguard the rights of those in Hong Kong, especially if the human rights situation continues to deteriorate further?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have taken clear action in response to the national security law, including offering a new immigration path for British national overseas passport holders, suspending our extradition treaty and extending our arms embargo on mainland China to Hong Kong.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The MP questioned whether the national security law in Hong Kong has infringed on many people's rights and broken international law. He asked for an urgent review or outline of how to target those involved.
Does the Minister agree that the national security law in Hong Kong has infringed the rights of many Hongkongers and broken international law by breaching the joint declaration? Will he now either urgently review his Magnitsky sanctions regime or outline how he intends to target those who instigate such appalling human rights abuses against this once proud British Crown colony?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that. As he will know, on 6 July we established our global human rights Magnitsky sanctions regime, and it is under constant review. However, he will be aware that it is not appropriate to speculate on who may be designated under any future sanctions regime.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on reviewing or outlining the actions against individuals involved in human rights abuses.
Not Appropriate To Speculate
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticised the Conservative government's handling of China and its impact on UK's ability to exert influence. He asked about citizenship for Hongkongers born after 1997, consular support for BNO passport holders detained in mainland China, and sanctioning officials.
Successive Conservative Governments since 2010 have been naive and complacent in their dealings with the Chinese Government. The resulting combination of over-dependence on China-based supply chains and the breaking of important international alliances has diminished our ability to exert influence on Beijing. Yet, despite these failings, there is clearly more that the UK could be doing for the people of Hong Kong. Will the Minister specify what the Government plan to do regarding citizenship for Hongkongers born after 1997? What consular support can he provide to the four BNO passport holders who are now detained in mainland China after attempting to flee? Will he commit to sanctioning the senior mainland Chinese Communist party and Hong Kong Executive officials who have been committing human rights abuses?
We are working closely with the Home Office on our response for the BNOs, and there will be much more detail coming out in due course. With regard to the cases that the hon. Member raises, we have raised the cases of the people detained in Shenzhen with the Chinese authorities in Hong Kong.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on citizenship plans and sanctions against officials.
Much More Detail Coming Out
Response accuracy