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FCDO Update on Hong Kong

30 March 2022

Proposing MP
South West Norfolk
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

At a Glance

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.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy