House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
FCDO Update on Hong Kong
30 March 2022 · Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Proposed by Elizabeth Truss Con South West Norfolk
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- FCDO issued a statement regarding the withdrawal of British judges from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.
- Lord Reed and Lord Hodge have submitted their resignations from the court.
- This decision reflects concerns over the erosion of legal independence in Hong Kong following the National Security Law.
Issue summary
This statement addresses the withdrawal of British judges from serving on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal due to concerns about the erosion of legal independence in Hong Kong following Beijing's imposition of the National Security Law.
Action requested
Lord Reed and Lord Hodge have submitted their resignations from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, reflecting the UK's assessment that it is no longer tenable for serving UK judges to participate on the court given the current political and legal situation in Hong Kong.
Key facts
- British judges have served on the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal since 1997.
- The National Security Law was imposed by Beijing in 2020.
- Serving UK judges, including Lord Reed and Lord Hodge, submitted their resignations from the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.